oestrogens

introduction

mainly beta-oestradiol, but also oestrone & oestriol, the latter being the almost totally impotent liver metabolite of the former two.
oestrogenic potencies:
- oestradiol 12 x oestrone & 80 x oestriol;
oestradiol mainly secreted from ovary & placenta;
oestrone secreted in small amounts from ovary but also formed by peripheral tissue conversion of androgens secreted from adrenal cortices;
cellular effect:
- enter cells, bind to i/cell. receptor, migrate to nucleus, interact with DNA
- ⇒ alter transcription & increased DNA ⇒ mitosis;
- a specific anabolic action targeted to certain organs rather than non-specific testosterone anabolic activity;

vaginal epithelium from cuboidal ⇒ stratified;
pubic hair growth (but mainly via androgens);
breast development:
- stromal tissues increased;
- extensive ductile system;
- deposition fat increased;
endometrial proliferation;

increased osteoblastic activity ⇒ pubertal growth surge
⇒ earlier epiphyseal closure than testostestone
⇒ decreased osteoporosis as:
- increased bone matrix;
- increased deposition of bone Ca & P;

Slight increased protein deposition « as for testosterone;
Slight increased BMR about 1/3rd as much as testosterone increase;
increased fat deposition esp. breasts, s/c tissues, buttocks, thighs;
Soft, smooth, thicker, more vascular skin;
Slight Na & water retention as adrenocortical effect & only significant in pregnancy?

plant derived substances with oestrogenic properties as well as other pharmacologic properties
most phytoestrogens bind ERβ more readily than ERα
4 main groups:
- isoflavonoids: genistein, daidzein, coumestrol and equol
- flavonoids: 8-prenylnaringenin, 6“-acetylapiin
- stilbenes: resveratrol (grape skin, red wine)
- lignans
sources:
- soy beans (genistein, daidzein)
- parsley (6”-acetylapiin, petroside)
- nuts, oilseeds, cereals, breads
- legumes
- see wikipedia
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074428/