ESTRONE (E1) - Menopausal hormone
ESTRONE is considered a minor female sex hormone – one of the three main female sex steroid hormones, and similar to ESTRIOL has weak estrogenic activity compared to ESTRADIOL .
- Predominant estrogen produced by menopausal women. ESTRONE serves mainly as a precursor to ESTRADIOL. Aging ovaries produce less ESTRADIOL, and ESTRONE concentration increases to make up for that decrease.
- High levels seen in first trimester of pregnancy
- Synthesized from cholesterol – via enzymes and pathways as shown in above schematic;
- Produced /secreted mainly from ovaries and testicles, but can also be formed in the adrenal glands and adipose tissue;
