For the first time in France, a study will make it possible to measure the consequences of Distilbene on the three generations of women who have been exposed to this drug. Distilbene is a hormone presented as the “anti-miscarriage miracle molecule” and prescribed for thirty years to pregnant women : Doctors assumed that by giving extra estrogen to pregnant women, they had less risk of miscarriages.
It is known that “DES girls” as women are called whose mothers took Distilbene when they were pregnant, present abnormalities of the genital system, dysplasias of the cervix and have a greater risk of suffering from a. cervical cancer or a breast cancer. But, for the first time in France, a large study will attempt to identify the effects of the drug on the 3e generation. That is, in the grandchildren of those who took the drug.
>> To read also: Distilbene: what consequences on women
“Today, new medical questions arise, in particular a possible increased risk of breast cancer for the girls of Distilbène. In fact, in 2006, an American study found a doubling of the risks for “DES girls” over 40 years old. What about in France? What are the other risks for the three generations concerned: cancer, malformations and consequences on reproduction? These are all questions that this study will attempt to answer, ”explains the DES Network.
This study called ” Public health: what consequences of distilbene? ” will last until next August. Women who have been exposed to the drug are invited to complete a questionnaire on their gynecological profile, their fertility, their medical and psychological history … But this questionnaire is also intended for women not concerned by DES, but aged like them from 36 to 63 years old, to constitute a comparison group. Finally, DES sons, grandchildren and mothers treated with Distilbene are also invited to answer the questionnaire, in order to identify all the undesirable effects of this hormone.
How to participate in the Distilbène study?
By going directly to the site des-etude3generations.orguntil August 31, 2013. A paper version is also downloadable.
The questionnaires will be analyzed from September 1, 2013. The results will then be analyzed by doctors and experts in the field.
