Estrogen is a hormone that is primarily found in women and is responsible for many aspects of female physical and reproductive development. It is primarily produced in the ovaries but is also found in other tissues such as fat and muscle. Estrogen is known to be important for the regulation of the menstrual cycle, the development of secondary sexual characteristics, and the maintenance of pregnancy. The hormone also plays a role in other body functions such as bone health, cardiovascular health, and mood regulation (Degenhardt, 2012; O’Connor et al., 2017; Shah, 2017).
Estrogen has three forms: estradiol, estriol, and estrone. Estradiol is the most abundant form and is mainly responsible for the development of female reproductive systems and secondary sexual characteristics. Estriol is the least abundant form and is mainly produced during pregnancy. Estrone is found in lower levels throughout the body and is the main form in postmenopausal women (Hoffman, 2017; O’Connor et al., 2017).
The effects of estrogen on the body are mediated by estrogen receptors. These receptors are found in many tissues such as the uterus, breasts, bones, and brain. Estrogen binds to these receptors and activates them, leading to various physiological and biochemical changes. For example, estrogen can stimulate the growth of the endometrium and the production of cervical mucus (Degenhardt, 2012; O’Connor et al., 2017).
Estrogen levels can be affected by a variety of factors. Age is a major factor, as estrogen levels naturally decline with age. Other factors such as diet, stress, and exercise can also affect estrogen levels (Hoffman, 2017).
Excess estrogen can lead to a variety of problems. High levels of estrogen can cause menstrual irregularities, weight gain, and infertility in women (Hoffman, 2017). Too little estrogen can lead to bone loss, hot flashes, and other menopausal symptoms in women (Degenhardt, 2012; O’Connor et al., 2017).
In conclusion, estrogen is an important hormone that plays a role in many aspects of female physical and reproductive development. It is primarily produced in the ovaries but is also found in other tissues. Estrogen binds to estrogen receptors and activates them to cause various physiological and biochemical changes in the body. Estrogen levels can be affected by a variety of factors, and too much or too little estrogen can lead to health problems.
References
Degenhardt, B. F. (2012). Estrogen: Actions and reactions. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, 41(2), 239-257.
Hoffman, M. (2017). Estrogen: Function, types, and levels. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270192
O’Connor, D., McManus, K., Grinblat, D., & Katz, P. (2017). Estrogen: Functions, sources, and effects. NCBI. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758854/
Shah, P. (2017). Estrogen: What it is and what it does. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/estrogen#overview1