Before entering fully into the meaning of the term estrogen, let's know its etymological origin. In this case, we can establish that it is a word that derives from Greek, since it is the result of the sum of two lexical components of said language:
-The noun “estrus”, which can be translated as “mammal heat”.
-The name “geno”, which is synonymous with “lineage”.
Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries and other structures that promotes the development of female secondary sexual characteristics. It is a steroid that comes from cholesterol.
Although the ovaries are the main producers of estrogens, these hormones are also secreted by the adrenal glands and, in pregnancy, by the placenta . Estradiol, estrone, and estriol are types of estrogens.
Estrogens access the cell nucleus after crossing the cell membrane. There, depending on the case, they deactivate or activate certain genes and regulate protein synthesis.
The highest concentration of estrogen occurs in the first seven days of the menstrual cycle. These hormones induce cell proliferation in the ovaries, breasts and other sectors of the body. Pubic hair and other secondary sexual characteristics, for example, grow when the level of estrogen increases.
Estrogens, in short, affect the appearance of menstruation, the development of hips and breast growth, among other issues. From puberty until menopause , the presence of estrogen in the female body is stable, unless a disease occurs. With menopause, the amount of estrogen decreases and therefore menstruation disappears.
During menopause, the fact that a woman experiences a considerable drop in her estrogen level brings with it a series of notable consequences. Among these we can highlight everything from problems falling asleep to significant mood changes to a clear decrease in sexual desire. However, other consequences can also occur such as the appearance of bone-related problems, such as osteoporosis.
Furthermore, it is very common for women to experience continuous hot flashes and even experience significant vaginal dryness. Not to mention that certain cardiovascular problems usually appear.
Pigmentation and skin regeneration, strengthening the bone system and cholesterol control are other functions that estrogens perform.
In addition to those indicated, we can establish that there are other important functions that estrogen performs, among which we can highlight the following:
-They are responsible for preventing the loss of calcium.
-They contribute to the strengthening of nails.
-No less relevant is that they also perform their function to ensure that the regularity of urinary frequency is maintained.
-They promote blood flow.
It should be noted that various beliefs about how estrogen works have changed or been questioned with the advancement of science . Its impact on emotions, self-esteem and sexual arousal has been the subject of research.