Estrogen
Also called Estradiol, estrone, estriol
Estrogen is a group of sex hormones that plays a central role in female reproductive health, working alongside progesterone to control the menstrual cycle. Men make estrogen too, in much smaller amounts, and in both sexes it helps maintain bone and influences blood sugar and cholesterol.
There are three main forms. Estradiol (E2) is the most potent and the main estrogen during the reproductive years. Estrone (E1) is weaker and becomes the main estrogen after menopause, made largely in body fat and the adrenal glands. Estriol (E3) is the main form during pregnancy.
Why it matters after 45
Estrogen levels fall during perimenopause and settle low after menopause, when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. That drop lies behind hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and changes in bone and cholesterol, which is why the word appears on almost every menopause page.
Where it comes up
Related terms
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Estrogen. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22353-estrogen
- MedlinePlus. Estrogen Levels Test. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/estrogen-levels-test/
- Cleveland Clinic. Menopause. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause
Definitions here are educational and are not medical advice. They explain what a term means; the pages linked above cover what it means for you, and a clinician reviews your own results. Editorial & medical review policy · All glossary terms