Estrogens are among the wide range of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and can cause health issues and reproductive disfunction in both wildlife and humans. Synthetic and natural estrogens have been found in the environment and are referred to as xenoestrogens. In addition to their role as natural hormones, estrogens are used as medications, for instance in menopausal hormone therapy, hormonal birth control and feminizing hormone therapy for transgender women, intersex people, and nonbinary people. Additionally, estrogens bind to and activate rapid-signaling membrane estrogen receptors (mERs), such as GPER (GPR30). Once inside the cell, they bind to and activate estrogen receptors (ERs) which in turn modulate the expression of many genes. Like all steroid hormones, estrogens readily diffuse across the cell membrane. While estrogen levels are significantly lower in males than in females, estrogens nevertheless have important physiological roles in males. Quantitatively, estrogens circulate at lower levels than androgens in both men and women. Another estrogen called estetrol (E4) is produced only during pregnancy.Įstrogens are synthesized in all vertebrates and some insects. Estradiol, an estrane, is the most potent and prevalent. There are three major endogenous estrogens that have estrogenic hormonal activity: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). Estradiol, the major estrogen sex hormone in humans and a widely used medicationĬontraception, menopause, hypogonadism, transgender women, prostate cancer, breast cancer, othersĮstrogen receptors ( ERα, ERβ, mERs (e.g., GPER, others))Įstrogen ( British English: oestrogen see spelling differences) is a category of sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.

Exces d oestrogenes