Definition

1. Noun:
   • A naturally occurring estrogenic hormone; a synthetic form is used to treat estrogen deficiency: Estriol is one of the three main estrogens produced by the human body, primarily during pregnancy. It is a weaker estrogen compared to estradiol. Synthetic estriol is used as a medication.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor measured the level of estriol in her blood as part of the prenatal screening.
  • A synthetic form of estriol is sometimes prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms.

Advanced Usage

• "Unconjugated estriol (uE3)": A specific form measured in maternal blood serum during pregnancy as part of a multiple-marker screening test (like the quad screen) to assess the risk of certain fetal chromosomal conditions.
  • A low level of unconjugated estriol can be a soft marker for Down syndrome.

Variants and Related Words

• Estrogen (n): The general category of steroid hormones that promote the development and maintenance of female characteristics. Estriol is a type of estrogen.
• Estradiol (n): The primary and most potent natural estrogen in non-pregnant women of reproductive age.
• Estrone (n): The primary estrogen produced after menopause.

Synonyms

• Oestriol: The British English spelling variant.
• E3: A common medical abbreviation.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word estriol has a single, specific meaning in biochemistry and medicine. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses. It refers exclusively to this specific hormone compound (C18H24O3).

Noun

1. a naturally occurring estrogenic hormone; a synthetic form is used to treat estrogen deficiency