estrogen

noun

es·​tro·​gen ˈe-strə-jən 

: any of various natural steroids (such as estradiol) that are formed from androgen precursors, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries, placenta, adipose tissue, and testes, and that stimulate the development of female secondary sex characteristics and promote the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system

also : any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (such as ethinyl estradiol) that mimic the physiological effect of natural estrogens

Examples of estrogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As estrogen levels decline, the heart and blood vessels lose a crucial layer of protection, making women more susceptible to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other cardiovascular threats. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 7 Feb. 2025

Research published in 2021 found that the antioxidants in ashwagandha may mimic estrogen activity in the body, which can help boost fertility in people assigned female at birth.5 Ashwagandha may also lower the risk of vaginal infections, which can negatively affect fertility. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025

People can experience drops in estrogen in the years leading up to menopause, a stage called perimenopause.1 6. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 30 Jan. 2025

But too much estrogen over a lifetime can lead to the formation and growth of cancerous cells. —Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

estrus + -o- + -gen

Note: The word estrogen was originally a U.S. brand name for an extract of glandular tissue used in the treatment of ovarian dysfunction. Its producer, Parke, Davis and Company, relinquished rights to the name in 1936.

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing estrogen

• estrogen replacement therapy
• selective estrogen receptor modulator

Kids Definition

estrogen

noun

es·​tro·​gen ˈes-trə-jən 

: a substance that tends to cause the development of secondary sex characteristics in the female and promote the growth and normal functioning of the female reproductive system

estrogenic

ˌes-trə-ˈjen-ik

adjective

Medical Definition

estrogen

noun

es·​tro·​gen ˈes-trə-jən 

variants or chiefly British oestrogen

ˈē-strə-jən 

: any of various natural steroids (as estradiol) that are formed from androgen precursors, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries, placenta, adipose tissue, and testes, and that stimulate the development of female secondary sex characteristics and promote the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system

also : any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (as ethinyl estradiol) that mimic the physiological effect of natural estrogens

estrogen-like adjective

or estrogenlike

-ˌlīk 

an estrogen-like compound

estrogen-like effects