oestrogen

British  

/ ˌɛstrəˈdʒɛnɪk, ˌiːstrəˈdʒɛnɪk, ˈɛstrə-, ˌiːstrə-, ˌɛstrə-, ˈiːstrədʒən /

noun

1. any of several steroid hormones, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries and placenta, that induce oestrus, stimulate changes in the female reproductive organs during the oestrous cycle, and promote development of female secondary sexual characteristics

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Other Word Forms

• oestrogenic
  adjective
• oestrogenically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of oestrogen

C20: from _oestrus + _-gen

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oestrogen

Hot flushes and night sweats are common for perimenopausal and menopausal women due to lowering oestrogen, according to Dr Arif.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

Endometriosis is driven by female hormones - oestrogen and progesterone - linked to the menstrual cycle.

From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026

That reaction is mainly driven by changes in progesterone levels, which peak, and oestrogen, which fluctuates, triggering strong feelings of despair, loss and a lack of control.

From BBC ● May 16, 2026

The scientists collected urine and saliva samples from the women on five occasions and discovered that, in some cases, rising oestrogen levels tracked closely with the reduction in grey matter.

From BBC ● Mar. 4, 2026

We can give you some other pills that will give your body the oestrogen it ought to be producing.

From Identity by Aiko Frikki