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In this review paper, the existing information on the human fetal steroid estetrol (E4) has been summarized. In the past, E4 was considered as a weak estrogen and interest disappeared. However, recent new research has demonstrated that E4 is a potent, orally bioavailable, natural human fetal selective estrogen receptor modulator, since it acts in the rat as an estrogen on all tissues investigated except breast tumor tissue, where it has estrogen antagonistic properties in the presence of estradiol. Based on its safety data, its pharmacokinetic properties, its pharmacological profile and the results of first human studies, E4 may be suitable as a potential drug for human use in applications such as hormone replacement therapy (vaginal atrophy, hot lushes), contraception and osteoporosis. Additional areas worth exploring are the treatment of breast and prostate cancer, hypoactive sexual desire disorder and topical use (wrinkles) in women, autoimmune diseases, migraine, cardiovascular applications and the treatment of selected obstetric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]