estrogen

American

[es-truh-juhn] / ˈɛs trə dʒən /

noun

Biochemistry.

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 British

/ ˌɛstrəˈdʒɛnɪk, ˈɛstrədʒən, ˌiːstrə-, ˈiːstrə- /

noun

the usual US spelling of oestrogen

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

estrogen Scientific

/ ĕs′trə-jən /

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 Cultural

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

Etymology

Origin of estrogen

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So Gonzalez called Poppy and received an estrogen patch and progesterone, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

As women age and produce less estrogen, bone mass decreases, which can lead to osteopenia, thinning of the bones, and its more serious cousin, osteoporosis, which comes with a high risk of fracture.

From The Wall Street Journal

During perimenopause—the period of time that can last years, before a woman’s menstrual cycle ends—dropping estrogen levels can thin and dry skin, he said, and suggested that I put lotion on before bed.

From The Wall Street Journal

The demand for estradiol patches—which deliver steady doses of estrogen—is soaring as women seek relief from symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.

From The Wall Street Journal

When I was 17, I went with my stepmother to see that nurse practitioner, who prescribed testosterone and estrogen blockers 30 minutes later.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023