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Estrogens (less commonly oestrogens) 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. Like all steroid hormones, estrogens readily diffuse across the cell membrane; inside the cell, they interact with estrogen receptors.[1] The three major naturally occurring estrogens in women are estradiol, estriol, and estrone. From menarche to menopause the primary estrogen is 17ß-estradiol. In the body these are all produced from androgens through actions of enzymes. Estradiol is produced from testosterone and estrone from androstenedione. Estrone is weaker than estradiol, and in postmenopausal women more estrone is present than estradiol. A range of synthetic and natural substances have been identified that also possess estrogenic activity.[2] Synthetic substances of this kind are known as xenoestrogens, while natural plant products with estrogenic activity are called phytoestrogens. Estrogens are used as part of some oral contraceptives and also in estrogen replacement therapy of postmenopausal women.

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