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Estrogen Metabolites

Meaning

Estrogen metabolites are the specific chemical breakdown products of the parent estrogen hormones, such as estradiol, formed primarily through enzymatic processes occurring in the liver and other peripheral tissues. These metabolites are categorized into various pathways, notably the 2-hydroxy, 4-hydroxy, and 16-hydroxy estrogens, each possessing distinct biological activity and unique implications for systemic health. The precise balance and ratio of these metabolites is a critical objective indicator of estrogen detoxification efficiency and is highly relevant to assessing cancer risk and optimizing the overall hormonal milieu.