diethylstilbestrol

diethylstilbestrol /di·eth·yl·stil·bes·trol/ (DES) (-stil-bes´trol) a synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen, used as the base or the diphosphate salt for the palliative treatment of prostatic carcinoma and sometimes breast carcinoma; it is an epigenetic carcinogen and females exposed to it in utero are subject to increased risk of vaginal and cervical carcinomas.

---

di·eth·yl·stil·bes·trol (d-thl-stl-bstrôl, -trl)

n.

DES.

---

Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

This is a synthetic estrogen drug that is used to treat a number of hormonal conditions. However, it causes problems in developing fetuses and should not be taken during pregnancy. From about 1938 to 1971, DES was given to pregnant women because it was thought to prevent miscarriage. Children of women who took the drug during pregnancy are at risk for certain health problems.

Mentioned in: Incompetent Cervix, Miscarriage

---

diethylstilbestrol (DES)

[-stilbes′trol]

synthetic hormone with estrogenic properties. This agent was used extensively from 1948 to 1971 to decrease miscarriages, but it is now contraindicated since it is known to increase the risk of vaginal clear cell carcinoma in the women exposed to it in utero (i.e., daughters of mother who used the drug).Also called stilbestrol.

---

diethylstilbestrol (DES) [di-eth″il-stil-bes´trol]

a synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen used for palliative treatment of prostatic carcinoma and sometimes advanced breast carcinoma. It was formerly used to relieve vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, and in primary ovarian failure, female hypogonadism, atrophic vaginitis, kraurosis vulvae, and female castration. Most significantly, however, it was formerly widely used to prevent threatened abortion and premature labor. The female children who were thus exposed to the drug as fetuses have tended to have a variety of cervical abnormalities and an increased risk of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the reproductive tract. Male offspring have sometimes had abnormal genitalia, epididymal cysts, and abnormal semen analyses. Regular examinations and follow-up are indicated for these individuals.

---

diethylstilbestrol (dīeth´ilstilbes´trôl),

n an estrogenic substance, C₁₈H₂₀O₂, that has an estrogenic activity considered to be greater than that of estrone. Useful in treating menopausal symptoms and occasionally used in the therapy of chronic desquamative gingivitis associated with artificial or natural menopause.

---

diethylstilbestrol

a synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen; abbreviated DES. In cattle used to treat infertility and as a stimulant to weight gain by increasing muscular development. Its use is limited as a weight gain stimulant because of the possible entry of the compound into the human food chain. Excessive, long-term administration causes anal prolapse, abortion, fracture of the pelvis and nymphomaniac behavior. Sometimes used in dogs to treat misalliance and urinary incontinence, but limited by its myelotoxic effects.

---

diethylstilbestrol

See DES.