DES prescribed in UK pregnancies: had you heard of its long-term risks?

[WiseMoose]

How have I never heard of this before now? Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was prescribed in the 1940s, 50s , 60s in the UK for pregnancy related issues- such as recurrent miscarriage, used to 'dry up' the milk in postnatal mothers even into the 1970s

Has been found to cause breast and cervical cancers in those taking the drug AND daughters born following taking this medication.

I only read about it in a facebook group so did a bit of googling and found lots of info.

Has anyone else heard of this before? I'm astounded that

Yes but I’m affected. Had to have annual checks for years

Oh sorry to hear this - hopefully all is well

I wonder though how it isn't more widely known. I mean, I spend a lot of time reading up on stuff and have been around for many years...

I no can't ask my mother if she ever took this medication as she is no longer with us, but it would have been in that timeline if she did (and she did have recurrent miscarriages prior to having me)

For those interested this is what I was reading

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) 2025: Survivors Speak, Parliament Listens, but Will Government Act? | Harm & Evidence Research Collaborative

Yes but as pp above (I’m Irish and my mother was given it in 1975 while I was in utero).

My DM had me in the 60's and she told me that she never took any medication at all when she was pregnant with me, not even paracetamol. She and everyone else she knew were all terrified after the Thalidomide scandal. Nobody who was pregnant at that time would have wanted to take anything, not with that so fresh in their minds.

Obviously my mother was very stupid 🙄

Not at all, she was obviously taking medical advice. I was merely recounting what my late DM told me.