estrogen

American  

[es-truh-juhn] / ˈɛs trə dʒən /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of several major sex hormones produced primarily by the ovarian follicles of mammals, capable of inducing estrus, developing and maintaining secondary female sex characteristics, and preparing the uterus for the reception of a fertilized egg: used, especially in synthetic form, as a component of oral contraceptives, in certain cancer treatments, and in other therapies.

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estrogen British  

/ ˌɛstrəˈdʒɛnɪk, ˈɛstrədʒən, ˌiːstrə-, ˈiːstrə- /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of oestrogen

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estrogen Scientific  

/ ĕs′trə-jən /

1. Any of a group of steroid hormones that primarily regulate the growth, development, and function of the female reproductive system. The main sources of estrogen in the body are the ovaries and the placenta. Estrogen-like compounds are also formed by certain plants.

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estrogen Cultural  

1. A group of hormones, secreted mainly by the ovaries, that influence the female reproductive system in many ways, notably in preparing the body for ovulation and in the development of female secondary sex characteristics.

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Other Word Forms

• antiestrogen noun
• estrogenic adjective
• estrogenically adverb

Etymology

Origin of estrogen

First recorded in 1925–30; estr(us) + -o- + -gen

Example Sentences

In addition to weight gain, declining estrogen levels during menopause can trigger other changes in the body that may further increase cardiovascular risk.

From Science Daily

Hamilton points to research on female athletes that found higher rates of ligament injuries at certain points in the cycle, likely linked to progesterone and estrogen’s effects on connective tissue.

From Los Angeles Times

In the baby department, it’s been all estrogen for the “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” contestant.

From Los Angeles Times

So Gonzalez called Poppy and received an estrogen patch and progesterone, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

As women age and produce less estrogen, bone mass decreases, which can lead to osteopenia, thinning of the bones, and its more serious cousin, osteoporosis, which comes with a high risk of fracture.

From The Wall Street Journal