Final answer:
Estradiol-17β is a potent estrogen synthesized from cholesterol and regulated by . It is transported in the blood bound to SHBG and is key in reproductive health. Synthetic estrogens like ethynyl estradiol in birth control pills mimic natural hormone functions, affecting ovulation and having wider health implications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Estradiol-17β (17 Beta) is a potent estrogen steroid hormone and a major female sex hormone. It is a 19 carbon compound that is synthesized from cholesterol, with pregnenolone serving as an intermediate in its synthesis. The production of estradiol is regulated by gonadotropins, specifically Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which are collectively known as gonadotropic hormones. In the bloodstream, estradiol is carried bound to Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), also referred to as Testosterone-Estradiol Binding Globulin (TEBG). Additionally, in target tissues, testosterone is converted into its active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which requires NADPH as a cofactor for the reaction.
Under the influence of synthetic estrogens and progestins used in birth control, such as ethynyl estradiol, the release of natural estrogens and progestins is mimicked, preventing ovulation. The balance and function of estrogens like estradiol-17β are critical not only to reproductive health but also for maintaining various bodily functions. Disturbances in estrogen levels can lead to reproductive issues and have been observed to cause population level effects in wildlife, highlighting the importance of understanding estrogen function and its synthetic analogs.