estrogen

es·tro·gen also oes·tro·gen  (str-jn)

n.

Any of several steroid hormones produced chiefly by the ovaries and responsible for promoting estrus and the development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics.

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[estr(us) + -gen.]

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estro·genic (-jnk) adj.

estro·geni·cal·ly adv.

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estrogen  (str-jn)

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.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

estrogen - a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics oestrogen sex hormone, steroid hormone, steroid - any hormone affecting the development and growth of sex organs DES, diethylstilbestrol, diethylstilboestrol, stilbestrol, stilboestrol - a potent estrogen used in medicine and in feed for livestock and poultry estradiol, oestradiol - the most powerful female hormone that occurs naturally; synthesized and used to treat estrogen deficiency and breast cancer estriol, oestriol - a naturally occurring estrogenic hormone; a synthetic form is used to treat estrogen deficiency estrone, Estronol, oestrone, theelin - a naturally occurring weak estrogenic hormone secreted by the mammalian ovary; synthesized (trade name Estronol) and used to treat estrogen deficiency hexestrol - estrogen compound used to treat menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms and to prevent pregnancy mestranol - a synthetic form of estrogen used in combination with a progestin in oral contraceptives