oestrogen

/ ˌɛstrəˈdʒɛnɪk, ˌiːstrəˈdʒɛnɪk, ˈɛstrə-, ˌiːstrə-, ˌɛstrə-, ˈiːstrədʒən /

noun

1. any of several steroid hormones, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries and placenta, that induce oestrus, stimulate changes in the female reproductive organs during the oestrous cycle, and promote development of female secondary sexual characteristics

Other Word Forms

• oestrogenically adverb
• oestrogenic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oestrogen¹

C20: from _oestrus + _-gen

Example Sentences

High levels of oestrogen prior to ovulation could alter the properties of ligaments, making them a bit more stretchy so "there could be an increased risk of injury, theoretically," he says.

From BBC

Research also suggests oestrogen peaks during menstrual cycles can reduce joint stability.

From BBC

The clinic, which has services in Birmingham and Leeds, treats people aged 16 and over, including by prescribing hormones, such as oestrogen or testosterone.

From BBC

Half of women with breast cancer fuelled by the hormone oestrogen are likely to see their life expectancy double when capivasertib is combined with hormone therapy, research has shown.

From BBC

He also said there were a wide range of medical uses for hormones, such as testosterone and oestrogen, which made decisions on whether to restrict or ban their use in different situations complex.

From BBC