1. Health

Estrogen

From , former About.com Guide

Updated August 01, 2008

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Definition:

Estrogen is a female sex hormone (involved in reproduction) produced by the ovaries.

Estrogen provides significant protection against the development of heart disease and certain types of heart attack.

The protective effects of estrogen peak in the mid to late 20s and decline afterwards until menopause, at which time production of estrogen by the ovaries ceases and the risk of cardiovascular disease becomes equal to that of males.

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