How Is Estrogen Produced?
Estrogen production primarily occurs in the ovaries for women of reproductive age. The follicles within the ovaries house immature eggs and are responsible for estrogen synthesis. These follicles produce a precursor hormone called androstenedione. Androstenedione then travels to the surrounding theca interna cells, another ovarian compartment, where it's converted into estrone and estradiol, the two most important types of estrogen. Small amounts of estrogen are also produced in the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, but this production remains fairly constant throughout a woman's life.
During pregnancy, the placenta, the organ connecting mother and fetus, becomes a significant source of estrogen. The placenta produces estrogen to support fetal development and prepare the body for childbirth. Once menopause arrives, estrogen production by the ovaries significantly declines. This decline is what triggers the various physical and hormonal changes experienced during menopause.
