Estrogen is an essential hormone that is found in both women and men; however, according to the National Women's Health Resource Center, the purpose of estrogen is only known in women. Estrogen has an important impact on a woman's body, especially in her development and sexual function. In addition, estrogen circulates throughout a woman's body, affecting multiple organs, tissues and bones.
Definition
According to the National Women's Health Resource Center, the "term 'estrogen' actually refers to any of a group of chemically similar hormones; estrogenic hormones are sometimes mistakenly referred to as exclusively female hormones when in fact both men and women produce them."
Female Development
The main purpose of estrogen in women is the "growth and development of female sexual characteristics and reproduction," according to the National Women's Health Resource Center. During puberty, estrogen is responsible for the formation of breasts, as well as the start of a woman's menstrual cycle. Estrogen also plays an important role throughout a woman's menstrual cycle, according to the National Women's Health Resource Center. During the first part of the menstrual cycle, the purpose of estrogen is to control the growth of the uterine lining. The level of estrogen builds up in preparation for pregnancy; if the woman does not become pregnant, the level of estrogen drops and results in the woman's menstruation.
Process
However, estrogen also circulates throughout the woman's body, thus having an overall impact on a woman's development. According to the National Women's Health Resource Center, estrogen is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and the fat tissues. After production, estrogen circulates in the woman's blood stream and then binds to the estrogen receptors. Once the estrogen binds to the estrogen receptors, the estrogen's affects can take effect. The areas of the body that estrogen affects are the breasts, uterus, brain, bone, liver, heart and other tissues.
