An enzyme that catalyzes the desaturation (aromatization) of the ring A of C19 androgens and converts them to C18 estrogens. In this process, the 19-methyl is removed. This enzyme is membrane-bound, located in the endoplasmic reticulum of estrogen-producing cells of ovaries, placenta, testes, adipose, and brain tissues. aromatase is encoded by the CYP19 gene, and functions in complex with nadph-ferrihemoprotein reductase in the cytochrome P-450 system.