ESTROGEN Meaning and
Definition
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Estrogen is one of the primary hormones found in the female reproductive system and plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. It is classified as a steroidal hormone and belongs to a group of compounds known as sex hormones.
Estrogens are primarily produced by the ovaries, but small amounts are also synthesized in the adrenal glands and fatty tissues. These hormones are responsible for the development and regulation of female secondary sexual characteristics during puberty, such as the growth of breasts, widening of hips, and the distribution of body fat. Estrogen also contributes to the growth and proliferation of the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy.
Apart from its role in the reproductive system, estrogen has a wide range of effects on other body tissues. It helps maintain bone density by inhibiting bone resorption, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Estrogen is also involved in regulating cholesterol levels and has a positive impact on cardiovascular health. Additionally, it affects mood, cognition, and memory, with low levels being associated with symptoms of depression and cognitive decline.
Estrogen levels fluctuate throughout a woman's life, with significant changes occurring during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. It can be prescribed as hormone replacement therapy to alleviate symptoms of menopause or prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
In summary, estrogen is a vital hormone in the female reproductive system that influences various physiological processes, including the development of secondary sexual characteristics, regulation of the menstrual cycle, maintenance of bone health, and impact on mood and cognition.
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Etymology of ESTROGEN
The word estrogen comes from the French term estrus meaning frenzy or heat, which derives from the Latin word oestrus. The term oestrus was used to refer to the recurring period of sexual receptivity and fertility in animals, particularly in mammals. In the early 20th century, the English physiologist William Allen Young coined the term estrin to describe the substance responsible for the characteristic female characteristics, and it was later shortened to estrogen.
Similar spelling words for ESTROGEN
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