noun

oestrogen

EE-struh-jun

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Oestrogen (noun) means any of a group of steroid hormones produced by the ovaries that act as female sex hormones. Example: “Oestrogen levels naturally fall after the menopause.”

noun

medical Any of a group of steroid hormones produced by the ovaries that act as female sex hormones.

"Oestrogen levels naturally fall after the menopause."

"The hormone therapy contained a low dose of oestrogen."

"Oestrogen helps regulate the menstrual cycle."

How to use oestrogen

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA hormone made by the ovaries that plays a key role in female reproductive health.

When to use it

Oestrogen is the standard British and Commonwealth spelling; American English uses estrogen.

Memory tip

The oe at the start is pronounced like a long ee sound, as in EE-struh-jun.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

oestrogen levels oestrogen therapy low oestrogen oestrogen and progesterone

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “oestrogen” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ levels naturally fall after the menopause.

Etymology

Oestrogen was formed from a combining form referring to oestrus, the period of fertility in many female mammals, joined with a suffix meaning a substance that produces something. Together the parts describe a hormone that produces the state of oestrus.

Origin: scientific Latin/Greek

Rhymes for oestrogen

Imogen halogen androgen glycogen hydrogen nitrogen pathogen estrogen carcinogen

See all rhymes for oestrogen →

Frequently asked questions

What does oestrogen mean?

Oestrogen refers to a group of steroid hormones made by the ovaries that function as female sex hormones.

What is the difference between oestrogen and estrogen?

They are the same hormone; oestrogen is the British and Commonwealth spelling, while estrogen is the American spelling.

Is oestrogen only found in females?

The definition covers oestrogen's main source and role, as hormones secreted by the ovaries that act as female sex hormones, rather than ruling out any other source of it.

What is the meaning of oestrogen?

"oestrogen" (noun) means any of a group of steroid hormones produced by the ovaries that act as female sex hormones.