To present an overview of current research dealing with estrogen influence on skeletal muscle damage and repair. A review of research using animal models and humans will be presented. Research primarily in rodents has shown that estrogen will significantly attenuate exercise induced muscle damage as well as markers of inflammation such as leukocyte infiltration of muscle following exercise induced muscle damage. Further animal research has also demonstrated that estrogen will also enhance factors associated with muscle repair such as satellite cell activation and proliferation consequent to muscle damage. Research involving post-menopausal females has also recently confirmed that estrogen and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will enhance skeletal muscle function, strength, recovery from damaging exercise and reduce markers of muscle damage. A number of possible mechanisms may be involved in these effects including effects mediated by estrogen receptor-alpha and subsequent signaling as well as possible non-receptor mediated effects. Emerging research has demonstrated in both animals and humans that estrogen can reduce exercise induced muscle damage and inflammation and enhance muscle repair. Estrogen can also enhance muscle strength and functioning and thereby contribute to improved muscular health and functioning in post-menopausal females. The use of HRT in older females should be considered in light of these potentially positive findings of estrogen effect on muscle function and health.