oestrogen

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• oestrogenically adverb
• oestrogenic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oestrogen¹

C20: from _oestrus + _-gen

Example Sentences

A saliva test is also a reliable way to show a rise in oestrogen levels, which happens before ovulation.

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High levels of oestrogen prior to ovulation could alter the properties of ligaments, making them a bit more stretchy so "there could be an increased risk of injury, theoretically," he says.

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Research also suggests oestrogen peaks during menstrual cycles can reduce joint stability.

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The clinic, which has services in Birmingham and Leeds, treats people aged 16 and over, including by prescribing hormones, such as oestrogen or testosterone.

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Half of women with breast cancer fuelled by the hormone oestrogen are likely to see their life expectancy double when capivasertib is combined with hormone therapy, research has shown.

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