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Synthetic Sources
Synthetic sources of estrogen are chemically created in a laboratory to precisely imitate the natural molecular structure and physical components of natural estrogen. Synthetic estrogens are used most often in estrogen products such as birth control, vaginal rings, estrogen creams and estrogen patches. An example of synthetic estrogen is ethinyl estradiol, which most frequently used in birth control pills.

Animal Source
Estrogen hormone replacement medications may use an animal source for their estrogen ingredient. Conjugated equine estrogens used in prescription hormone therapy medications such as Premarin are collected from the urine of pregnant horses. Animal rights groups protest this source of estrogen ingredient and encourage women to use synthetic estrogen medications instead.

Foods
Hundreds of foods contain sources of plant estrogens known as phytoestrogens. When these foods are consumed, their natural estrogens are often broken down through digestive processes, but a diet high in phytoestrogen foods may be beneficial to women who are in need of estrogen supplementation (e.g. post-menopausal). Examples of foods that contain natural estrogens include alfalfa, barley, chickpeas, flaxseed, papaya, pumpkin, soybeans and yams.

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