Written questions

Diethylstilbestrol: Side Effects

Commons · Question 5670 · Tabled 1 Jun 2026 · Department of Health and Social Care · Official record

Answered 8 Jun 2026

Question

Asked by Luke Akehurst

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the long-term health impacts associated with exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES).

Answer

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill, 8 Jun 2026

Diethylstilbestrol (DES), also referred to as stilbestrol/stilboestrol, is an oestrogenic hormone formerly used in the treatment of threatened miscarriage and suppression of lactation. DES may still be prescribed in the United Kingdom for the treatment of...