How does estrogen function?

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Estrogen

Estrogens are a group of steroid compounds, named for their importance in the estrous cycle, and functioning as the primary female sex hormone.

While estrogens are present in both men and women, they are usually present at significantly higher levels in women of reproductive age. They promote the development of female secondary sex characteristics, such as breasts, and are also involved in the thickening of the endometrium and other aspects of regulating the menstrual cycle. In males estrogen regulates certain functions of the reproductive system important to the maturation of sperm and may be necessary for a healthy libido.

Estradiol levels vary through the menstrual cycle, with levels highest just before ovulation.

• Structural
  • promote formation of female secondary sex characteristics
  • stimulate endometrial growth
  • increase uterine growth
  • maintenance of vessel and skin
  • reduce bone resorption, increase bone formation
• protein synthesis
  • increase hepatic production of binding proteins
• coagulation
  • increase circulating level of factors 2,7,9,10, antithrombin III, plasminogen
  • increase platelet adhesiveness
• Lipid
  • increase HDL, triglyceride, fat depositition
  • decrease LDL
• Fluid balance
  • salt and water retention
• gastrointestinal tract
  • reduce bowel motility
  • increase cholesterol in bile
• Cancer
  • About 80% of breast cancers, once established, rely on supplies of the hormone estrogen to grow: they are known as hormone-sensitive or hormone-receptor-positive cancers. Suppression of production in the body of estrogen is a treatment for these cancers¹.

First answer by Porkdisco. Last edit by Porkdisco. Contributor trust: 446 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 28 [recommend question]