Introduction

Abstract

Knowledge about th e female sex hormone estrogen has dramatically increased over the last two decad es and, most importantly, many novel findfindings have proven that estrogen is much more than “just” a sex hormone. While estrogen was initially investigated almost exclusively with respect to th e role it plays during sexua l differentiation and maturation, it is wellknown too, today for the ben eficial role it plays in th e nerve cells and the central nervous system (eNS). The activity of the sex hormone estrogen — and this applies to some extent to the male sex hormone te stosterone, too — is neither restricted to th e sex organs nor to sex function and sex behavior.

“...Methinks I should know you and should know this man; Yet I am doubtful: for I am mainly ignorant What place this is, and all the skill I have Remembers not these garments: Nor I know not Where I did lodge last night ...”

King Lear, W. Shakespeare, Act IV, Scene VII