Estriol (Molecule of the Month for April 2006)
Oestriol, Estrogens
Estriol is one of the three main estrogens produced by the human body. It is only produced in significant amounts during pregnancy as it is made by the fetus.
Estrogens (also oestrogens) are a group of steroid compounds, named for their importance in the oestrus cycle, functioning as the primary female sex hormone. While estrogens are present in both men and women, they are usually present at significantly higher levels in women of reproductive age. They promote the development of female secondary sex characteristics, such as breasts, and are also involved in the thickening of the endometrium and other aspects of regulating the menstrual cycle. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) regulate the production of estrogen in ovulating women. Since estrogen circulating in the blood can feedback to reduce circulating levels of FSH and LH, some oral contraceptives contain estrogens.
Formal Chemical Name (IUPAC)
(8R,9S,13S,14S,16R,17R)-13-methyl-7,8,9,11,12,13,14,15,16,17-decahydro-6H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,16,17-triol
References
click on the picture of Estriol above to interact
with the 3D model of the
Estriol structure
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C18 H24 O3
Update by Karl Harrison
(Molecule of the Month for
April 2006
)
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