Oestrogens are fundamental in the development of your feminine characteristics including physical shape, breasts, uterus, external genitalia, skin texture and emotion.
Oestrogens are characterised by their relationship to oestrus, or sexual heat, in many species. Libido, the sexual drive, is more complex in women than in men with emotion probably having a more significant role than hormones. The androgens play a major part in the libido of a man but they do not seem to be quite as important for a woman.
An interesting variation of hormone action is the effect of oestrogens, which increase SHBG levels and this reduces the free, actively available, androgen level. This oestrogenic action is of benefit in the treatment of hirsutism (excess body hair).
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you for choosing to visit us. This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT. I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
