Most estrogen is produced by the ovaries in women, however, many tissues in the body are able to synthesize estrogens from androgens (male hormones).
Adipose tissue (fat) can contribute to an increase in estrogens in the body. Fatty tissue contains estrogen precursors, which can be converted to estrogens. When you gain weight in the form of fat, this can increase estrogen.
What Is Estrogen?
Estrogen is a female sex hormone that is responsible for female physical features and reproduction. Men also have estrogen, but in lower levels than women.
What Is the Role of Estrogen in the Body?
Estrogen plays many important roles in the body, including:
- Helps bring about puberty in females
- Helps regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle
- Plays a role in childbearing
- Keeps cholesterol in check
- Protects bone health for both women and men
- Affects the brain (including mood), bones, heart, skin, and other tissues
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References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11511861/
https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/estrogen
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/taking-aim-at-belly-fat
https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/estrogen
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/taking-aim-at-belly-fat