Natural or synthetic substances that induce the changes in the UTERUS preceding OVULATION. They are also responsible for the development of the secondary sex characteristics in women: that is, the physical changes that take place at puberty, such as enlargement of the BREASTS, appearance of pubic and axillary hair, and the deposition of fat on the thighs and hips. They are used in the management of disturbances of the MENOPAUSE, and also in the treatment of cancer of the prostate (see PROSTATE GLAND, DISEASES OF) and sometimes cancer of the breast.

The oestrogenic hormones of the ovary are OESTRADIOL and OESTRONE. Of the various synthetic oestrogens, ethinyl oestradiol is the most potent.

Other commonly used oestrogen drugs are dienoestrol and oestrol. The use of oestrogens in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is dealt with in the section on the menopause.