

Additionally, estrogens bind to and activate rapid-signaling membrane estrogen receptors (mERs), such as GPER (GPR30).

Once inside the cell, they bind to and activate estrogen receptors (ERs) which in turn modulate the expression of many genes.

Like all steroid hormones, estrogens readily diffuse across the cell membrane. While estrogen levels are significantly lower in males than in females, estrogens nevertheless have important physiological roles in males. Quantitatively, estrogens circulate at lower levels than androgens in both men and women. Their presence in both vertebrates and insects suggests that estrogenic sex hormones have an ancient evolutionary history. Another estrogen called estetrol (E4) is produced only during pregnancy.Įstrogens are synthesized in all vertebrates and some insects. Estradiol, an estrane, is the most potent and prevalent. There are three major endogenous estrogens that have estrogenic hormonal activity: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). Estradiol, the major estrogen sex hormone in humans and a widely used medication.Ĭontraception, menopause, hypogonadism, transgender women, prostate cancer, breast cancer, othersĮstrogen receptors ( ERα, ERβ, mERs (e.g., GPER, others))Įstrogen or oestrogen is a category of sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.
