Dimethylstilbestrol

Dimethylstilbestrol (pronounced as di-meth-yl-stil-bes-trol), also known as DES, is a synthetic form of the female hormone estrogen. It was prescribed to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriages, premature labor, and related complications in pregnancy.

Etymology

The term "Dimethylstilbestrol" is derived from its chemical structure. "Di" means two, "methyl" refers to the presence of two methyl groups, and "stilbestrol" is a type of estrogen.

Usage

Dimethylstilbestrol was widely used in the mid-20th century in an attempt to prevent miscarriage, premature birth, and other pregnancy complications. However, it was later found to cause a rare vaginal tumor in girls and women who had been exposed to this drug in utero. The United States Food and Drug Administration subsequently withdrew approval of DES as a treatment for pregnant women.

Related Terms

Estrogen: A group of hormones that play an essential role in the growth and development of female sexual characteristics and the reproductive process.
Miscarriage: The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week.
Premature birth: A birth that takes place more than three weeks before the baby's estimated due date.
United States Food and Drug Administration: A federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, blood transfusions, medical devices, electromagnetic radiation emitting devices, cosmetics, animal foods & feed, and veterinary products.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Dimethylstilbestrol
Wikipedia's article - Dimethylstilbestrol

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Dimethylstilbestrol