Estrogen

Estrogens (known as oestrogensin UK ) are a group of steroid compounds that function as the primary female sex hormone.

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The three naturally occurring estrogens are estradiol, estriol and estrone. In the body these are all produced from androgens through enzyme action. Estradiol is produced from testosterone and estrone from androstenedione. Estrone is weaker than estradiol, and in post-menopausal women more estrone is present than estradiol.

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Steroid: A steroid is a lipid characterized by a carbon skeleton with four fused rings. Different steroids vary in the functional groups attached to these rings. Hundreds of distinct steroids have been identified in plants and animals. Their most important role in most living systems is as hormones....

Hormone: A hormone (from Greek horman - "to set in motion") is a chemical messenger from one cell (or group of cells) to another. All multicellular organisms produce hormones (including plants - see article phytohormone)....

Estriol: Estriol is one of the three main estrogens produced by the human body. It is only produced in significant amounts during pregnancy as it is made by the fetus....