Estrogen is a key sex hormone primarily involved in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Its functions include:

• Regulating the menstrual cycle by controlling the growth of the uterine lining and stimulating ovulation

• Supporting the development of female secondary sexual characteristics such as breast tissue growth and the thickening of the vaginal wall

• Maintaining vaginal lubrication and the health of mucous membranes in the reproductive tract

• Influencing the urinary tract, pelvic muscles, skin, hair, and mucous membranes

• Playing a crucial role in bone health by reducing bone resorption and increasing bone formation, which helps prevent osteoporosis

• Affecting cardiovascular health by improving lipid profiles (increasing HDL and lowering LDL cholesterol), maintaining healthy blood vessels, and stabilizing blood pressure

• Supporting brain function by maintaining proper blood flow, protecting against inflammation, and aiding memory and fine motor skills

• Modulating metabolism, including energy expenditure and fat distribution, favoring gynoid (hips, thighs, breasts) rather than abdominal fat

• Influencing sexual behavior and libido, often in conjunction with androgens

Estrogen acts by binding to estrogen receptors in various tissues, influencing gene expression to enact these physiological effects

. In summary, estrogen is essential not only for reproductive health but also for maintaining bone density, cardiovascular health, brain function, skin, and metabolic processes in the body