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The synthetic hormone tamoxifen is used in breast cancer therapies to prevent recurrence of
disease or to prevent onset in women at high risk for this cancer, but it may increase the risk of
endometrial cancer, strokes, and blood clots.
DES (diethylstilbestrol) is another synthetic hormone that was prescribed to pregnant women in
the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. DES use was discontinued after scientists discovered that women
taking it had an increased risk of breast cancer, and that girls born to women taking DES had an
increased risk of rare types of vaginal and cervical cancer. Most physical or structural differences
associated with exposure to DES are found in the reproductive tract, including a "hood" or collar
on the cervix and a T-shaped uterus.
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