estrogene

Estrogene, commonly called estrogen in English, designates a group of steroid hormones that regulate development and function of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. The principal estrogens in humans are estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and estriol (E3). They act by binding to estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ) and the membrane receptor GPER, influencing gene transcription and rapid signaling.

Production and sources: In premenopausal individuals, the ovaries are the main source of estrogens. After menopause, peripheral tissues such as adipose tissue produce estrogen from androgens via aromatase. In men, estrogens are produced in smaller amounts, playing roles in bone maintenance and fertility. Circulating estrogens are metabolized mainly in the liver and excreted in urine.

Functions: Estrogens regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the uterus for possible pregnancy; they support bone density, influence cardiovascular health, and affect brain function and mood. They can act through genomic pathways altering gene expression and through rapid non-genomic signaling.

Medical use and risks: Estrogen therapy is used for menopausal symptoms and as part of combined hormonal contraception or in hormone replacement therapy. Risks include increased probability of venous thromboembolism and stroke, breast cancer risk with prolonged unopposed estrogen exposure, and endometrial hyperplasia when estrogen is not balanced by progestin in individuals with a uterus. Other risks include gallbladder disease and, in some settings, cardiovascular effects. Individual risk varies with age and health status.

Additional notes: The term estrogene is used in some languages; in many contexts estrogen is the standard term. Research continues into selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and their tissue-specific effects.