'estrogen-like' is formed by combining the noun 'estrogen' with the English suffix '-like' meaning 'similar to'. 'Estrogen' itself originates from New Latin 'oestrogen' (also spelled 'oestrogen'), ultimately from Greek 'oistros' meaning 'gadfly' or 'sexual passion' and the combining element '-gen' meaning 'to produce'.

'Estrogen' entered scientific English in the early 20th century as New Latin 'oestrogen'; American English later adopted the simplified spelling 'estrogen'. Adding the Old English-derived suffix '-like' produced the compound adjective 'estrogen-like'.

Initially referred to a substance that produces estrus (sexual desire or the physiological state of fertility); over time it came to denote the group of female sex hormones. 'Estrogen-like' developed to mean 'resembling or mimicking the actions of estrogen'.