Skip to main content

Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

Meaning

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic, non-steroidal estrogen that was widely prescribed to pregnant women between the 1940s and 1970s to prevent miscarriages and other pregnancy complications. Despite its intended use, subsequent clinical and epidemiological research demonstrated that DES is a potent endocrine-disrupting chemical with severe, long-term transgenerational health consequences for both the mothers and their exposed offspring, known as DES Daughters and Sons. Its use serves as a cautionary tale regarding the long-term effects of exogenous hormonal agents.