DES (diethylstilbestrol)

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic hormone similar to estrogen, once prescribed to pregnant women to prevent complications like miscarriage. Later, it was found that DES could cause health problems, particularly for women who took it during pregnancy and their children. In some cases, exposed individuals developed reproductive issues or certain types of cancer. Due to these risks, DES is no longer used in pregnancy treatment. Its history highlights the importance of thorough research and testing before medications are widely prescribed.