Oestrogen

Oestrogen (or estradiol in its menstrual cycle form) is mainly produced by the ovaries.

However, your adrenal glands and fat tissue also make small amounts of oestrogen.

Oestrogen is thought of as the main “female” hormone – though men produce it in small quantities too.

Oestrogen performs a number of different functions in women’s bodies:

  • Drives the development of female body characteristics during puberty (breast development, widening of the hips).
  • Plays a key role in controlling the menstrual cycle (more on this here).
  • Keeps the vaginal lining thick, moist and healthy.

It is important to know that oestrogen also plays a role in:

  • Protecting bone density – it acts as a natural guard against bone loss.
  • Supporting heart and blood vessel health by helping to keep blood vessels flexible.
  • Influencing brain function, including mood regulation, memory and concentration.
  • Affecting skin elasticity and collagen production.

My Menopause SA

Evidence-based menopause information for South African women.

Page last reviewed: 1 March 2026
Next review due: 1 March 2027

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Dias Da Silva, I., Wuidar, V., Zielonka, M., & Pequeux, C. (2024). Unraveling the Dynamics of Estrogen and Progesterone Signaling in the Endometrium: An Overview. Cells, 13(15), 1236. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13151236

Parikh, D. & Gohil, P. (2014). Role of Estrogen and Progesterone in Human Disorders – An Overview (Pt 62-71). International Journal of Pharma Research & Review, 3(3).

Patel, P., Patil, S., & Kaur, N. (2025). Estrogen and Metabolism: Navigating Hormonal Transitions from Perimenopause to Postmenopause. Journal of Mid-Life Health, 16(3), 247-256. https://doi.org/10.4103/jmh.jmh_75_25

Prior, J. C. (2020). Women’s reproductive system as balanced estradiol and progesterone actions – A revolutionary, paradigm-shifting concept in women’s health. Special Section on Skin Disease and Women’s Health, 32, 31-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ddmod.2020.11.005

Stárka, L., & Dušková, M. (2020). What is a hormone? Physiological Research, 69(Suppl 2), S183-S185. https://doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.934509

World Health Organisation (WHO). (2024, October). Menopause: Factsheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause