Estrogen
Estrogen: A female steroid hormone that is produced by the ovaries and, in lesser amounts, by the adrenal cortex, placenta, and male testes. Estrogen helps control and guide sexual development, including the physical changes associated with puberty. It also influences the course of ovulation in the monthly menstrual cycle, lactation after pregnancy, aspects of mood, and the aging process. Production of estrogen changes naturally over the female lifespan, reaching adult levels with the onset of puberty (menarche) and decreasing in middle age until the onset of menopause. Estrogen deficiency can lead to lack of menstruation (amenorrhea), persistent difficulties associated with menopause (such as mood swings and vaginal dryness), and osteoporosis in older age. In cases of estrogen deficiency, natural and synthetic estrogen preparations may be prescribed. Estrogen is also a component of many oral contraceptives. An overabundance of estrogen in men causes development of female secondary sexual characteristics (feminization), such as enlargement of breast tissue.
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- Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT): a form of therapy with estrogen hormones most commonly used to treat the symptoms of menopause. It reduces or stops the short-term changes of menopause such as hot flashes, disturbed sleep, and vaginal dryness. Estrogen replacement therapy is thought to help prevent osteoporosis, a consequence of lowered estrogen levels. Estrogen therapy […]
- Estrogen, designer
Estrogen, designer: An engineered drug that possesses some, but not all, of the actions of estrogen. Also known as selective estrogen-receptor modulator (SERM). For example, raloxifene (brand name: Evista) is classified as a designer estrogen because, like estrogen, it prevents bone loss and lowers serum cholesterol; however, it does not stimulate the endometrial lining of […]
- Estrogen-associated blood clots
Estrogen-associated blood clots: Blood clots are occasional but serious side effects of estrogen therapy. They are dose-related, that is, they occur more frequently with higher doses of estrogen. Estrogen therapy preparations (all of which carry this risk) include: esterified estrogens esterified estrogens and methyltestosterone estradiol estrogens (conjugated) and medroxyprogesterone estrogens conjugated The brand names of […]
- Estrogen-associated hypercoagulability
Estrogen-associated hypercoagulability: Hyper-coagulable blood (a supranormal tendency for blood to clot) occurs as an occasional but serious side effect of estrogen therapy. The blood clots in this situation are dose-related; that is, they occur more frequently with higher doses of estrogen. All estrogen therapy preparations carry this risk. Cigarette smokers on estrogen therapy are at […]
- Estrogen/progestin therapy
Estrogen/progestin therapy: Abbreviated EPT. A combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin. Taken by women, the estrogen in the EPT relieves such symptoms of menopause as hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness, and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, and blood clots in the lungs and legs. […]