Diethylstilbestrol is a synthetic nonsteroidal estrogen, that was widely used to prevent potential miscarriages by stimulating the synthsis of estrogen and progesterone in the placenta. It was also used for the treatment of symptoms arising during menopause and following ovariectomy and for senile vaginitis and vulvar dystrophy. Diethylstilbestrol was used as a postcoital emergency contraceptive (morning-after pill). It has also been used for the prevention of postpartum breast engorgement, for dysfuctional menstrual cycles and for the treatment of female hypogonadism. Diethylstilbestrol is now rarely used to treat prostate cancer and occacionally in postmenopausal women with breast cancer because of its side-effects.
