Definitions for estrogenˈɛs trə dʒən
This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word estrogen
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
es•tro•genˈɛs trə dʒən(n.)
any of several major female sex hormones produced primarily by ovarian follicles, capable of inducing estrus, producing secondary female sex characteristics, and preparing the uterus for the reception of a fertilized egg: synthesized and used in oral contraceptives and in various therapies.
Origin of estrogen:
1925–30; estr (us )
a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics
Any of a group of steroids that are secreted by the ovaries and function as female sex hormones.
Estrogens or Oestrogens, are a group of compounds named for their importance in both menstrual and estrous reproductive cycles. They are the primary female sex hormones. Natural estrogens are steroid hormones, while some synthetic ones are non-steroidal. The name comes from the Greek οἶστρος, literally meaning "gadfly" but figuratively sexual passion or desire, and the suffix -gen, meaning "producer of". Estrogens are synthesized in all vertebrates as well as some insects. Their presence in both vertebrates and insects suggests that estrogenic sex hormones have an ancient evolutionary history. Estrogens are used as part of some oral contraceptives, in estrogen replacement therapy for postmenopausal women, and in hormone replacement therapy for trans women. Like all steroid hormones, estrogens readily diffuse across the cell membrane. Once inside the cell, they bind to and activate estrogen receptors which in turn modulate the expression of many genes. Additionally, estrogens have been shown to activate a G protein-coupled receptor, GPR30.
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