16-Hydroxyestrogen

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical

**Definition:** Any metabolite formed during the catabolism of estrogens by the liver through the hydroxylation of the carbon at position 16 by the enzymes, cytochrome P450 3A4 and 1B1. The 16-hydroxyestrogens may have high estrogenic activity and preferential formation of 16-hydroxyestrogen metabolites may be associated with an elevated risk for breast cancer.

**Synonyms:** - 16-Hydroxyestrogen Compound - 16-Hydroxyestrogens