Estrone: meaning, definitions and examples
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estrone
[ ΛΙstrΙΚn ]
hormone type
Estrone is a type of estrogen, a female sex hormone, that is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat tissues. It is one of the three main estrogens, alongside estradiol and estriol, and plays a crucial role in the reproductive system and the development of secondary sexual characteristics in women.
Synonyms
estrogen, female hormone
Examples of usage
- Estrone levels can fluctuate during the menstrual cycle.
- In postmenopausal women, estrone becomes the primary form of estrogen.
- Doctors often measure estrone to assess hormone levels.
- Estrone is involved in various bodily functions beyond reproduction.
Etymology
The word 'estrone' was first coined in the early 20th century, deriving its name from the term 'estrogen,' which is a class of hormones responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. The suffix '-one' indicates that it is a ketone, a type of chemical compound. The identification of estrone as a distinct type of estrogen was a significant advancement in understanding hormonal functions in the body. The first isolation of estrone occurred in the 1920s, and its discovery expanded the knowledge surrounding sex hormones significantly. Over the decades, research has continued to uncover the specific roles that estrone plays in human health, particularly concerning reproductive health, menopausal symptoms, and conditions influenced by hormonal fluctuations.