A generic term for estrus-producing compounds; the naturally occurring female sex hormones include estradiol, estriol and estrone.
In animals the estrogens are formed in the ovary, adrenal cortex, testis and fetoplacental unit, and are responsible for female secondary sex characteristic development, and act on the female genitalia to produce an environment suitable for fertilization, implantation and nutrition of the early embryo. A very important function is the creation of a state of sexual receptivity in the female.
- conjugated e's — a mixture of sulfate esters of estrogenic substances, principally estrone and equilin; the uses are those of estrogens.
- esterified e's — a mixture of esters of estrogenic substances, principally estrone; the uses are those of estrogens.
- fungal e. — Fusarium graminearum (F. roseum) produces zearalenone which has estrogenic activity.
- placental e. — see estrogen (above).
- plant e. — subterranean and red clover may contain significant amounts of an isoflavone, genistein, with estrogenic activity. See also estrogenism.
- e. poisoning — see estrogenism.
- e.-responsive dermatosis — a bilaterally symmetrical alopecia, sometimes with seborrhea, seen in spayed bitches; responsive to treatment with estrogens such as diethylstilbestrol.
