'oestrogen-like' originates from Modern English, specifically the combination of the word 'oestrogen' and the suffix '-like', where 'oestrogen' itself is formed from elements meaning sexual passion/estrus and 'to produce', and '-like' meant 'similar to'.

'oestrogen' was adopted into English in the early 20th century (from German 'Östrogen' and coinages based on Greek roots), and the adjective form using the suffix '-like' developed through regular Modern English word-formation to produce 'oestrogen-like'.

Initially, the root referred to substances producing oestrus (sexual receptivity), and over time it came to denote the group of female sex hormones; 'oestrogen-like' now means 'similar in action or property to oestrogen'.