Last edited by insurancegirl on 10-25-04 12:24pm; edited 1 time in total
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Mesmerizeu15
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 11 Aug 2003 Posts: 2729 Location: Pittsburgh,PA
Posted: 05-19-04 01:27am
Weird
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linuxChique
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 05 May 2004 Posts: 4535
Summary of Article Posted: 05-19-04 03:17am
Des, also known as stilbestrol, was widely
prescribed to prevent miscarriage in
australia and overseas up until the early
1970s, but it was withdrawn from the
market when some women exposed to the drug
in utero — that is, exposed while they
were developing in their mother’s uterus,
because their mother was prescribed des
during pregnancy — developed vaginal clear
cell adenocarcinoma (a type of cancer of
the vagina) and reproductive tract
abnormalities.
Women with extensive vaginal adenosis,
structural abnormalities or the uterus or
cervix, or clear cell adenoma of vagina or
cervix should be assumed to have been
exposed to des, researchers said.
Women exposed to des in utero should be
counselled about the risk of infertility,
ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, premature
labour and birth, and should be warned
about the lack of research on the effect
of oestrogens in the contraceptive pill on
women who have been exposed to des.
Women who took des while pregnant had an
increased risk of breast cancer, and
needed a mammogram every 2 years after 40
years, the authors said.
Hormone replacement therapy should be used
with caution in women who have been
exposed to des.
Des sons also face problems. Many have
genital and sperm abnormalities, and those
with undescended and hypoplastic
(underdeveloped) testes risk developing
testicular cancer. But no increase in
male infertility has been noted.
There may also be health problems in des
grandchildren.
Des was listed on the pharmaceutical
benefits scheme under the alternative
generic name stilbestrol until 1988, when
it was withdrawn at the manufacturer's
request.
