Estrogenic

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Estrogenic refers to the property of substances that mimic or enhance the actions of estrogen, a primary female sex hormone. Estrogenic substances can be naturally occurring or synthetic and are often used in medical treatments and therapies.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Estrogen is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system. It is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Estrogenic substances mimic or enhance the actions of estrogen in the body.

Estrogenic Substances[edit | edit source]

Estrogenic substances can be both naturally occurring and synthetic. They are often used in medical treatments and therapies, particularly in hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. Some examples of estrogenic substances include:

  • Phytoestrogens: These are naturally occurring compounds found in plants that have estrogenic properties. They are often used in natural therapies for menopause symptoms.
  • Xenoestrogens: These are synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. They are often found in industrial products, including plastics and pesticides.
  • Bioidentical hormones: These are hormones that are chemically identical to those produced in the body. They are often used in hormone replacement therapy.

Health Effects[edit | edit source]

The health effects of estrogenic substances can vary widely depending on the specific substance and the individual's health status. Some potential health effects include:

  • Relief from menopause symptoms: Estrogenic substances are often used in hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Increased risk of certain cancers: Some studies have suggested that exposure to certain estrogenic substances, particularly synthetic ones, may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer.
  • Endocrine disruption: Some estrogenic substances, particularly xenoestrogens, can disrupt the endocrine system, potentially leading to a variety of health problems.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Estrogenic Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD