Diethylstilbestrol diacetate
Diethylstilbestrol diacetate (pronunciation: dye-ETH-il-stil-BES-trol dye-uh-SEH-tate) is a synthetic, nonsteroidal estrogen that was formerly used in the treatment of certain medical conditions, but has been discontinued due to its potential health risks.
Etymology
The term "Diethylstilbestrol" is derived from the chemical structure of the compound, which consists of two (di-) ethyl groups attached to a stilbene molecule. The "diacetate" part refers to the presence of two acetyl groups in the compound.
Medical Uses
Diethylstilbestrol diacetate was primarily used as an estrogen replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and to prevent miscarriages or premature births in pregnant women. However, its use has been discontinued due to the discovery of its potential health risks.
Health Risks
Long-term exposure to Diethylstilbestrol diacetate has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and vaginal cancer in women exposed to the drug in utero. It has also been associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer in men exposed to the drug in utero.
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.
- Estrogen replacement therapy: A treatment for relieving the symptoms of menopause by replacing the estrogen that the ovaries no longer produce.
- Breast cancer: A type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts.
- Vaginal cancer: A rare cancer that occurs in the vagina.
- Testicular cancer: Cancer in the male organs that make male hormones and sperm (testicles).
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Diethylstilbestrol diacetate
- Wikipedia's article - Diethylstilbestrol diacetate
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