Estrone can be formed from estradiol, but its major precursor is androstenedione. Estradiol, the most potent estrogen, is synthesized from testosterone. The ovaries are the richest source of aromatase, although some aromatase is present in adipose tissue, which is also an important source of estrogen in postmenopausal women. In short, androgens are precursors of estrogens they are converted to estrogens through the action of an enzyme known as aromatase.

The steps in the conversion of progesterone to the main estrogens-estradiol and estrone-include the intermediate formation of several androgens (male sex hormones): dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, and testosterone. Cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone, and pregnenolone is converted to progesterone. The Human Body Synthesis and secretion of estrogenĬholesterol is the parent molecule from which all ovarian steroid hormones are formed.

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Adrenal gland estrogen