Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

estrogen, designer
See 
designer estrogen.
estrogen replacement therapy
The use of nat-
ural or synthetic estrogen to treat changes associ-
ated with menopause, such as hot flashes, disturbed
sleep, and vaginal dryness, that are associated with
decreased estrogen levels. Abbreviated ERT. ERT
can also prevent osteoporosis, which can be a con-
sequence of decreased estrogen levels. Vaginal ERT
products help with vaginal dryness, more severe
vaginal changes, and bladder effects. The use of
unopposed ERT (that is, ERT alone) is associated
with an increase in the risk of endometrial cancer
(cancer of the lining of the uterus). However, taking
the hormone progestogen along with estrogen
reduces the risk of endometrial cancer substantially.
See also 
hormone replacement therapy.
estrogen-associated blood clots
See 
estro-
gen-associated hypercoagulability.
estrogen-associated hypercoagulability
Hyper-coagulable blood (a supranormal tendency
for blood to clot) occurs as an occasional but seri-
ous side effect of estrogen therapy. The blood clots
in this situation are dose-related; that is, they occur
more frequently with higher doses of estrogen. All
estrogen therapy preparations carry this risk.
Cigarette smokers on estrogen therapy are at a
higher risk for blood clots than nonsmokers.
Therefore, patients requiring estrogen therapy are
strongly encouraged not to smoke.
ESWL
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
etiology
The study of causes, as in the causes of a
disease. The form aetiology is generally used in the UK.
eugenics
A pseudoscience with the stated aim of
improving the genetic constitution of the human
species by selective breeding. Eugenics is from a
Greek word meaning “normal genes.” The use of
Albert Einstein’s sperm to conceive a child by artifi-
cial insemination would represent an attempt at
positive eugenics. The Nazis notoriously engaged in
negative eugenics by genocide in world war II. It is
important to note that no experiment in eugenics
has ever been shown to result in measurable
improvements in human health.