Estrogenic Agonist

Abstract

Estrogen agonists are natural, synthetic, or metabolic products that selectively stimulate estrogen-like actions in target tissues. Wildlife and domestic animals and humans are exposed to estrogen agonists present in the environment (environmental estrogens). The developmental origins of health and disease paradigm assumes that, during development, there are sensitive windows in which tissue differentiation/function can be modified by estrogen agonists, leading to increased susceptibility to adverse health outcomes. Studies with a variety of estrogenic agonists have demonstrated effects on female reproductive organs and fertility. A better understanding of this research area will prevent exposures related to adverse female reproductive outcomes.