Estrogen

Estrogens are a family of related molecules that stimulate the development and maintenance of female characteristics and sexual reproduction.

What is Estrogen?

Estrogens (also called Oestrogens) are steroid compounds that are important for development and functioning of females of the species. They are named so because they play an important role in the estrous cycle. Their name comes from estrus/oistros (period of fertility for female mammals) + gen/gonos = to generate.

Estrogen Function

Estrogen Types

Estrogen in Cosmetics

Estrogen in Medicine

Estradiol and Estrogen Levels

The Role of Estrogen in Men’s Health

Latest Estrogen News and Research

Gut bacteria turn bile acids into allies against cancer

Bacteria naturally present in the human intestine, known as the gut microbiota, can transform cholesterol-derived bile acids into powerful metabolites that strengthen anti-cancer immunity by blocking androgen signaling, according to a preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.

16 Apr 2025

Study reveals how the brain balances hormones and metabolism during lactation

Nursing poses major metabolic demands on mothers, to which they respond by eating more and saving energy to sustain milk production.

10 Apr 2025

Study reveals how female hormones trigger opioid production for pain suppression

Scientists have discovered a new mechanism that acts via an immune cell and points toward a different way of treating chronic pain.

3 Apr 2025

Study links linoleic acid to triple-negative breast cancer growth

Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in seed oils such as soybean and safflower oil, and animal products including pork and eggs, specifically enhances the growth of the hard-to-treat "triple negative" breast cancer subtype, according to a preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.

1 Apr 2025

How HIIT and intermittent fasting alter metabolism in postmenopausal women

How the combination of HIIT with intermittent fasting or a low-calorie diet improves metabolic health among postmenopausal women.

28 Mar 2025

Postpartum females show shift in temperature preferences due to brain changes

Mothers experience major metabolic adaptations during pregnancy and lactation to support the development and growth of the new life.

25 Mar 2025

New brain metabolism model reveals key targets for reversing aging

The most comprehensive model of the brain’s metabolism, incorporating more than 16,800 biochemical interactions, has identified key targets to reverse the age-related decline in brain function.

25 Mar 2025

Oophorectomy linked to higher risk of heart failure in women

Women of childbearing age who had both ovaries removed, in a procedure called bilateral oophorectomy, were more likely to develop heart failure later in life, according to a study being presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25).

20 Mar 2025

Breast cancer survivors face accelerated aging tied to tumors and treatment

Accelerated aging in breast cancer survivors is linked to treatments and tumor characteristics, with implications for long-term care and quality of life.

20 Mar 2025

Most in-depth simulation of brain metabolism yet reveals new targets for future dementia treatments

The findings come from the most comprehensive computer model of brain metabolism to date, which incorporates more than 16,800 biochemical interactions between proteins and chemicals across brain cells, supporting cells, and the blood.

19 Mar 2025

Moffitt researchers discover new vaccine strategy for treating specific type of breast cancer

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers have discovered a promising new vaccine strategy for treating a specific type of breast cancer.

18 Mar 2025

Can yogurt and kefir help prevent osteoporosis? Scientists examine the facts

Fermented dairy products and probiotics may support bone health by enhancing calcium absorption, modulating inflammation, and influencing bone remodeling, though human studies show mixed results.

18 Mar 2025

Researchers uncover 195 genetic risk factors driving women’s reproductive diseases

Scientists identified 195 genetic risk loci across 42 female reproductive health conditions, revealing shared genetic pathways and developing a polygenic risk score for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). These findings pave the way for personalized reproductive healthcare and targeted treatments based on genetic risk.

12 Mar 2025

Gender gaps in peripheral vascular disease impact diagnosis and treatment

The disparities between men and women in prevalence, risk factors and symptoms of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) have a profound impact on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for women, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published today in the Association's flagship, peer-reviewed journal Circulation.

11 Mar 2025

Hormones may drive the differences in opioid misuse between men and women

The opioid epidemic has claimed more than half a million lives in the U.S. since 1999, about three-quarters of them men, according to the National Institutes of Health.

10 Mar 2025

Stress and obesity found to fuel early pancreatic cancer growth

A new study led by UCLA investigators suggests that chronic stress and an unhealthy diet may work together to fuel the early development of pancreatic cancer, shedding light on how lifestyle factors contribute to one of the deadliest malignancies.

10 Mar 2025

Oxytocin’s new role in delaying embryo development revealed

Oxytocin, a hormone already known for its role in childbirth, milk release, and mother-infant bonding, may have a newfound purpose in mammalian reproduction.

5 Mar 2025

Higher menopausal symptom burden linked to cognitive decline and behavioral impairments

Women who exhibit more menopausal symptoms are more likely to later have poorer cognitive function and mild behavioral impairments – both markers of dementia.

5 Mar 2025

Research shows exercise and healthy eating reduce inflammation in postmenopausal women

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä's Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences have found that women who exhibit disturbed eating behaviors and engage in low physical activity tend to have more central body fat and a higher risk of metabolic low-grade inflammation.

5 Mar 2025

Hormones may offer new way to treat wrinkles and hair graying

Hormones may be leveraged to treat and prevent signs of aging such as wrinkles and hair graying, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society journal Endocrine Reviews.

26 Feb 2025