Estrogens - Predominately female sex hormones

Estrogens are a subclass of the sex steroid hormones.   Also includes androgens and progestagens

Hormones 101 -“Feel Good, Look Good”

Sex Steroid Hormones

-    Renowned as the hormones that makes a woman female.    Estrogens are responsible for breasts, hips, menstrual periods, soft skin, and a higher-pitched voice

-   Estrogens also regulate the development, growth, pubertal maturation, and reproductive processes in both females and males.

Health Effects in Body

The 3 most significant estrogens are produced from androgens through the action of enzymes:

-    ESTRADIOL (E2, 17ß-ESTRADIOL).   The predominant form in non-pregnant females from menarche to menopause; the most powerful and most carcinogenic.

-    ESTRONE (E3).    Produced and more predominant during menopause; 70% less biologically active than ESTRADIOL;

-    ESTRIOL (E1).   Primary estrogen of pregnancy; least powerful;

Estrogen production.   The female ovaries are not the only source of estrogen - which is also produced by the metabolic activity of certain enzymes in adrenal glands, fat, skin, and many other peripheral sites :

Estrogen Production in Reproductive-age Women

Estrogen Production in Men and Post-menopausal women

Estrogen Production Site Chart