estrogen

[es-truh-juhn]

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.

estrogen

/ ˌɛstrəˈdʒɛnɪk, ˈɛstrədʒən, ˌiːstrə-, ˈiːstrə- /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of oestrogen

estrogen

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.

estrogen

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.

Other Word Forms

• antiestrogen noun
• estrogenic adjective
• estrogenically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of estrogen¹

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

Example Sentences

Scientists have also observed higher estrogen receptor density during the menopause transition, which may reflect the brain's attempt to compensate for falling hormone levels.

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Usually, the first treatments for endometriosis, after pain relievers, are hormone injections which temporarily shut down the body's production of estrogen.

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Some other physical changes from administering testosterone or estrogen are not reversible, the policy statement said.

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The researchers hope this understanding of the mechanism of cancer cell survival will one day lead to treatments that prevent estrogen receptor positive breast cancers from returning.

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She began treatment with puberty blockers and then estrogen.

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