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GuideWisdom™

This WisdomCard managed by: Nicole Kinsey

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is an oral nonsteroidal estrogen that was first used in 1938. In 1941, it was given FDA approval in the treatment of vaginitis, monopausal symptoms and breast engorgement for postpartum lactating women.¹ Later, the drug was used to treat various types of cancer and to prevent miscarriage.¹ It was later discovered that women prescribed DES were at an increased risk of breast cancer, and the carcinogenic effect lasts for several generations.¹

Fast Facts:

• -- DES daughters have as much as a 2.5 fold increase in breast cancer after age 40.¹
• -- DES sons are at higher risks of genital abnormalities and infertility.²
• -- Diethylstilbestrol is no longer in production.

Top Resources on Diethylstilbestrol

• Wikipedia: Diethylstilbestrol
• American Family Physician (via American Academy of Family Physicians): Diethylstilbestrol Exposure (May 15, 2004)
• UHRad: Women's Diagnostic Imaging Teaching Files: Case Two - Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Exposure
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: DES Update: Consumers
• National Cancer Institute: DES: Questions and Answers

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GuideWisdom and Fast Facts References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3} Wikipedia: Diesthylstilbestrol
2. ↑ Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Known Health Effects for DES Sons

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