Estrogenic substances
Estrogenic Substances
Estrogenic substances (pronunciation: es·tro·gen·ic sub·stances, /ˌestrəˈjenik ˈsəbstənses/) are chemical compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen, a primary female sex hormone.
Etymology
The term "estrogenic" is derived from "estrogen," which comes from the Greek words "oistros" meaning "gadfly" or "frenzy," and "genes" meaning "born of, produced by." The term "substances" comes from the Latin "substantia," meaning "essence, material."
Types of Estrogenic Substances
Estrogenic substances can be naturally occurring or synthetic. Some examples include:
- Phytoestrogens: These are naturally occurring estrogenic substances found in plants. They include compounds such as genistein and daidzein, which are found in soy products.
- Xenoestrogens: These are synthetic estrogenic substances. They are often found in industrial products, such as plastics and pesticides.
- Mycoestrogens: These are estrogenic substances produced by fungi. They can contaminate crops and enter the food chain.
Effects of Estrogenic Substances
Estrogenic substances can bind to estrogen receptors in the body and mimic the effects of estrogen. This can lead to a variety of effects, depending on the specific substance and the individual's health status. Some potential effects include changes in reproductive function, growth and development, and risk of certain diseases.
Related Terms
- Endocrine disruptors: These are chemicals that can interfere with the body's endocrine system. Many estrogenic substances are considered endocrine disruptors.
- Hormone replacement therapy: This is a treatment in which hormones are given to replace those that the body no longer produces naturally. Some forms of hormone replacement therapy use estrogenic substances.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Estrogenic substances
- Wikipedia's article - Estrogenic substances
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