estrogen

noun

es·​tro·​gen ˈe-strə-jən How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite and pain, interacts with the endocrine system, which produces and balances hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 30 June 2025 As your estrogen levels dip, so does your body’s ability to build and maintain your bones, Dr. Wright says. Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 24 June 2025 Role of estrogen in weight loss One of the most intriguing clues to explain why women benefit more from the GLP-1 medications has to do with the hormone estrogen, which women have in higher amounts than men. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 16 May 2025 During menopause, your estrogen levels drop significantly. Wendy Wisner, Health, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for estrogen

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of estrogen was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Estrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estrogen. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

estrogen

noun
es·​tro·​gen ˈes-trə-jən How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
variants or chiefly British oestrogen
: 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
an estrogen-like compound
estrogen-like effects

More from Merriam-Webster on estrogen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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