Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

The Diethylstilbestrol (DES) topic includes research on the health effects of DES, a synthetic form of the female hormone estrogen. DES was prescribed to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage, premature labor, and related complications of pregnancy. In the 1950s, studies showed that DES was not effective in preventing these problems, and its use declined. However, it continued to be used to stop lactation, for emergency contraception, and to treat menopausal symptoms in women.

Women who took DES during pregnancy have an increased risk of breast cancer. Their daughters, commonly known as DES daughters, have an increased risk of several cancers, including clear cell adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and cervical precancers.