Body & health

Estrogen

Alsooestrogenestradioloestradiolestrogensoestrogensestrogen therapy

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

Estrogen (oestrogen) is a group of hormones, produced mainly by the ovaries, that regulate the menstrual cycle and support bone, heart, skin and vaginal health.

At a glance

  • Estrogen (oestrogen) is a group of hormones produced mainly by the ovaries.
  • It regulates the menstrual cycle and supports bone, heart, skin and vaginal health.
  • All bodies make some estrogen, including those with testicles.
  • Falling estrogen around menopause explains many menopausal symptoms and bone density loss.
  • It is used in combined contraception, HRT and gender-affirming hormone therapy.

In detail

Estrogen drives breast development and other changes of puberty in people assigned female, thickens the uterine lining in the first half of the menstrual cycle, and keeps vaginal tissue moist and elastic. All bodies make some estrogen, including those with testicles.

Estrogen levels fall around menopause, which explains many menopausal symptoms and why bone density can decline. Estrogen is an ingredient in combined hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy, and it is used in gender-affirming hormone therapy for some trans women and non-binary people.

In a sentence

  • Her doctor explained that falling estrogen can cause vaginal dryness after menopause.
  • She started estrogen as part of her gender-affirming hormone therapy.

Where the word comes from

Coined in the 1920s from Greek oistros, meaning frenzy or desire, and the suffix -gen, producing. Oestrogen is the traditional British spelling.

Common questions

Is estrogen the same as oestrogen?

Yes. Estrogen is the American spelling and oestrogen the traditional British spelling. Both refer to the same group of hormones.

Why does estrogen matter after menopause?

Estrogen levels fall around menopause, which explains many symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness and contributes to bone density loss. A doctor can discuss options, including hormone replacement therapy, and weigh their benefits and risks for an individual.

Related terms

Sources

  1. MedlinePlusEstrogen Levels Test
  2. NHSHormone replacement therapy (HRT)