Facts about Estrogen
Too much estrogen in males can inhibit the growth of the testes and production of sperm (Douglas et al.
DHEA is a precursor steroid that can be converted to estrogens (estradiol) and androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (5?-dihydrotestosterone), and it has been known to have a large effect on increasing female sexual desire.
Another very popular medical application of estrogen is the combined administration of it with progestins in the application of oral contraceptives.
A range of synthetic and natural substances have been identified that possess estrogenic activity.
Part of the endocrine system, estrogen production and function reveals the complexity and harmony of the body.
Standard therapy is 0.625 mg/day of conjugated estrogens (such as is in Premarin), but the dose can range from 0.3 mg/day to 1.25 mg/day.
Estrogen replacement therapy also has favorable effects on serum cholesterol levels and is claimed to dramatically reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) regulate the production of estrogen in ovulating women.
Among the older postmenopausal women studied as part of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), an orally-administered estrogen supplement has been associated with an increased risk of dangerous blood clotting.
The three major naturally occurring estrogens in women are estradiol, estriol, and estrone.
Estrogens are named for their importance in the estrous cycle.
Estrogens (also oestrogens) are a group of steroid (type of lipid) compounds that function as the primary female sex hormone.
Estrogens can also be produced by the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens such as DHEA to estrogens, mainly estradiol and estrone.
Estrogen increases HDL (also known as good cholesterol), lipids (triglycerides), and fat deposits.
Some estrogens are also produced in smaller amounts by other tissues such as the liver, adrenal glands, and the breasts.
Other uses include therapy involving vaginal atrophy, hypoestrogenism (as a result of hypogonadism, castration, or primary ovarian failure), amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and oligomenorrhea.
From menarche (woman's first menstrual period) to menopause (the cessation of menstrual periods), the primary estrogen is estradiol 17beta.
Synthesis of oestrogenes starts in theca interna cells in the ovary, by the synthesis of androstenedione from cholesterol.
Estrogens are important in both those mammals undergoing an estrous cycle and those undergoing a menstrual cycle.
Reduced bowel motility and increased levels of cholesterol in bile are consequences of estrogen.
The labeling of estrogen-only products in the United States includes a black box warning that unopposed estrogen (without progestin) therapy increases the risk of endometrial cancer.
Produced in one part of the body, estrogen travels to other parts and binds to specific receptors in order to function.
Estrogen increases the circulating level of factors 2, 7, 9, 10, anti-thrombin III, and plasminogen.
Estrogen serves several purposes and has many different functions, which are touched upon below.