Aromatase is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum where it is regulated by tissue-specific promoters that are in turn controlled by hormones, cytokines, and other factors.

It catalyzes the last steps of estrogen biosynthesis from androgens (specifically, it transforms androstenedione to estrone and testosterone to estradiol).

Thus, the aromatase gene evolved early in chordate evolution and does not appear to be present in nonchordate invertebrates (e.g. insects, molluscs, echinoderms, sponges, corals).

In species with temperature-dependent sex determination, aromatase is expressed in higher quantities at temperatures that yield female offspring.

[11] In organisms that develop through genetic sex determination, temperature does not affect aromatase expression and function, suggesting that aromatase is the target molecule for temperature during TSD[11] (for challenges to this argument, see temperature-dependent sex determination).

Research has found that two pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), are responsible for the induction of aromatase expression in astrocytes following penetrative brain injury in the zebra finch.

Accumulations of androgens during pregnancy may lead to virilization of a female at birth (males are not affected).

Individuals of both sexes will be tall, as lack of estrogen does not bring the epiphyseal lines to closure.

Extracts of certain (white button variety: Agaricus bisporus) mushrooms have been shown to inhibit aromatase in vitro.