'estrogenic' originates from English, specifically from the noun 'estrogen' plus the suffix '-ic'. 'Estrogen' itself comes from New Latin 'oestrogen' (from Greek 'oistros'), where 'oistros' meant 'gadfly' or 'sexual passion' and the element '-gen' meant 'to produce'.

'estrogenic' was formed by adding the adjective-forming suffix '-ic' to 'estrogen'. The noun appeared in early 20th century as 'oestrogen'/'oestrin' (British spelling) and the adjective was used as 'oestrogenic' before the simplified modern spelling 'estrogenic' became common.

Initially it referred specifically to things relating to the hormone 'oestrogen'; over time it has broadened to include substances that mimic or produce estrogen-like effects (for example, environmental chemicals).