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4-Hydroxyestrone

Meaning

4-Hydroxyestrone, or 4-OH-E1, is a catechol estrogen metabolite derived from the primary estrogen, estrone, through phase I detoxification in the liver and other tissues. It is one of the three major metabolic pathways for estrogen, distinct from the 2-hydroxy and 16-hydroxy pathways. Clinically, this metabolite warrants attention due to its enhanced potential for reactivity and its association with increased biological risk, particularly in estrogen-sensitive tissues. This compound is a key biomarker in assessing an individual’s specific estrogen metabolism profile and overall hormonal detoxification capacity.