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

The most common alternatives are other transdermal options such as estrogen spray, estrogen gel, and vaginal rings. —Sukhman Rekhi, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2026

One potential reason for this is that during and after menopause, women’s bodies produce less estrogen, a hormone that, in addition to playing a key role in women’s reproductive health, also contributes to blood flow and circulation. —Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026

Excess weight raises estrogen levels in men, which can suppress testosterone and disrupt the hormonal signals that drive sperm production. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026

Because estrogen patches are generic drugs with low profit margins, manufacturers have almost no financial incentive to rush out and build the expensive new production lines needed to meet our demand. —Tabitha Britt, Flow Space, 22 Apr. 2026

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