Macquarie University does DES

  The Macquarie University student publication "Grapeshot" - Issue 8, 2013 has an article about DES on page 9! Fingers crossed this will create waves of academic interest. For a clear view, click onto DES Carries On

 

Mental Health of DES Daughters & Sons

A 9-year comprehensive study by French researcher, Marie-Odile Soyer-Gobillard has revealed a link between DES and mental health issues in DES daughters and DES sons. The study involved the hormones DES, 17-alpha-ethinylestradiol (synthetic EE) and synthetic progestin. A report in 2011 stated DES was often in a cocktail with EE and progestin.

Gobillard's study is not epidemiological, but rather provides a database for further research. It is interesting to note that in three previous epidemiological studies about the link between DES and psychiatric disorders, two favour the hypothesis of a causal link and one reaches a different conclusion.

Psychiatric disorders found by the Gobillard study were: Alcohol addiction, learning disorders, eating disorders, behavioral disorders (aggressiveness, impulsivity), sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, mood swings, major depressive episodes, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, acute psychotic episodes, series of suicide attempts, and suicides. Across all synthetic oestrogens, girls were observed to be more vulnerable than boys for both somatic and psychiatric disorders.

In figures as of April 2012, Gobillard has revealed some disturbing statistics involving the mental health of 1676 DES daughters and DES sons. Of those exposed to DES in the womb, 1334 had reported psychiatric disorders. Of these Gobillard identified 128 attempted suicides and 48 suicides.

The above findings give rise to questions among DES Action groups. A link of this kind would easily go unnoticed, since previous emphasis has been on physical effects. Additionally there would be stigma felt by people experiencing psychological disorders, enough to dissuade their reporting these conditions to Action groups.

Links for more information:

Behavioral and somatic Disorders in Children Exposed in Utero to Synthetic Hormones, by #Hhorages

Behavioral and Somatic Disorders in Children Exposed in Utero to Synthetic Hormones: A Testimony-Case Study in a French Family Troop

by Marie-Odile Soyer-Gobillard, Charles Sultan (2012), Dr. Sameh Magdeldin (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-51-0772-9, InTech, DOI: 10.57772/48637.
http://www.intechopen.com/books/state-of-the-art-of-therapeutic-endocrinology/behavioral-and-somatic-disorders-in-children-exposed-in-utero-to-synthetic-hormones-a-testimony-case

14th October 2013

Anti-Miscarriage drug linked to mental health problems


 A recent French study has linked the anti-miscarriage drug, diethylstilboestrol (DES) with psychiatric disorders in the children exposed to the drug in the womb. Researcher, Marie-Odile Soyer-Gobillard, has revealed serious psychological side effects in "DES daughters" and "DES sons", with a worryingly high incidence of attempted suicide and suicide.

An estimated 740,000 Australians have been affected by DES, which was prescribed to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971 (and sometimes beyond). DES causes reproductive problems and an increased risk of certain cancers (breast, cervical and vaginal) in those women given DES and their children of that pregnancy.

In a familial case control study by Soyer-Gobillard, a range of psychological disorders are reported across exposed and non-exposed groups, which include eating disorders, sleeping disorders, anxiety disorders, major depression, bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. Out of 1676 DES daughters and DES sons, 1334 reported psychiatric disorders, with 128 attempted suicides and 48 suicides. In terms of both psychological and somatic disorders, DES daughters suffered more than DES sons.

"These disturbing study results have opened up a whole new area of concern to us," says Carol Devine, coordinator of DES Action NSW. "Emphasis has always been on physical effects of DES exposure, and then coupled with the stigma felt by people in mentioning mental health problems, it is no wonder this link has gone unnoticed," adds Devine.

Over 10 million people were exposed to DES worldwide and many people remain unaware of their exposure to DES and the potential adverse health effects of DES. People exposed require vital special health care. In Australia there has been no promotion of DES information in public health programs due to concern this may create community anxiety. People can find out about DES at www.desnsw.blogspot.com or by phoning DES Action NSW 02 98754820.

HEALTH CHECK LIST: If you tick 'yes' to any of the following, ask your doctor about possible exposure to DES:

• Does your mother recall having previous miscarriages or being prescribed medications while pregnant? DES was most commonly prescribed to prevent miscarriage and for pregnancy complications such as bleeding. It was also known as "stilboestrol".
• If unable to ask your mother, does your health history show a series of reproductive problems such as cancer, difficulty in getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term or near term, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, miscarriages or premature deliveries?
• Does your mother remember only being given "hormones" during pregnancy? It is worthwhile having a check-up, informing the doctor your mother was given hormones during pregnancy. Progesterone, another hormone, may have also been used to prevent miscarriage and research has shown no problems with this.

 -ENDS-

Information sources:
 http://www.intechopen.com/books/state-of-the-art-of-therapeutic-endocrinology/behavioral-and-somatic-disorders-in-children-exposed-in-utero-to-synthetic-hormones-a-testimony-case

http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/880/news-media/get-the-facts/cancer-prevention-get-the-facts/cancer-council-new-south-wales-diethylstilbestrol-des-and-cancer/

For more information or interviews, contact:

Carol Devine
E: c_devine@bigpond.net.au
P: (02) 98754820

DESperately seeking celebrities

In June this year, US model, actress and billboard recording artist Amy Weber opened up with her story on the TV program The Doctors about her experience as a DES daughter. Amy describes her struggle to become a mother after undergoing treatment for cervical cancer. In May 2009 Amy was finally able to fulfill her dream of becoming a mother.

As a result of Amy's very brave testimony, many thousands of TV viewers will learn about DES. If individuals know or suspect DES exposure, they will hopefully be able to navigate their way to find accurate information, such as what DES Action groups provide. No doubt Amy's actions will help many DES affected, including those who up until now have been unaware of the harm caused by DES and the special vital health care they need. We owe huge thanks to Amy!

Australia DESperately needs someone too, with the likes of Amy Weber, to bravely showcase their DES exposure experience in the Australian media. We wait and wish Down Under for this to happen.

Viewers can see here what Amy went through during her high-risk pregnancy, and meet her family!

 

Amy Weber's DES Story 

Australian Senate on DES

The Senate has responded to 27 questions in relation to the Australian DES exposure problem. You will find the questions and response at: Senate on DES


Questions were not painstakingly answered and various aspects were ignored, eg,

• that many people remain unaware of their exposure to DES and the potential adverse health effects 

• the question of how the department is measuring the effectiveness of DES information on departmental and a number of medical websites.

New Name New Logo

To assert our independence and to avoid being mistaken as a branch of any other DES Action groups in Australia, we have changed our name to DES ACTION NSW. The group's new logo, using gender-neutral orange colour, symbolically depicts the DES theme. The white "DES" circle within the orange circle represents DES in the womb. The three smaller circles represent subsequent generations. A brilliant and fresh-looking design for such a complex issue!

Worldwide Petition for Lilly to "fess up"

Patricia Royall, a plaintiff in one of the pending DES breast cancer lawsuits, attended the recent DES breast cancer trial in Boston. She became upset when she heard Eli Lilly's announcement after the settlement. Eli Lilly said, "While we continue to believe that Lilly's medication did not cause the conditions alleged in the lawsuit, we believe the settlement is in the best interests of the company."

Not content to sit back and do nothing, Patricia has headed up a worldwide petition demanding Eli Lilly's CEO to "fess up" about DES and aims for 5,000 signatures. This petition is fast gaining publicity and infiltrating cyber networks. The fact of Eli Lilly's lack of remorse and refusal to "fess up" whilst spending millions settling DES lawsuits is enough to make anyone chew nails and spit tacks. The groundswell of hostility and determination is evident among the DES community who have made comments on the petition website. Even celebrity stars are joining in to sign the petition!

To sign the petition, click on http://www.thepetitionsite.com/555/889/673/eli-lilly-fess-up-on-des/

The twitter hashtag #keepLillyhonest is also trending.

Patricia, pictured left,  hopes the petition, as well as sending the message to Eli Lilly that DES exposed people are not going away, will raise worldwide awareness of DES.
http://catchinghealth.bangordailynews.com/2013/01/12/mens-and-womens-health/des-daughter-petitions-eli-lilly-to-fess-up-on-des/



HEAR WHAT LILLY IS DOING

Listen to Voice Over "Eli Lilly DES Tragedy" by Larry Murphy:

Eli Lilly DES Tragedy


 Update 18/1/13
Votes and comments are coming in from the Australian DES exposed contingent. Thank you and keep it up! Read article http://celebritiesindisgrace.wordpress.com/2013/01/17/eli-lillys-continued-d-e-s-shame-an-update/#more-8934

Update 24/1/13
Listen to the articulate Andrea Goldstein, DES daughter, Gynaecology Nurse outline what Eli Lilly has done to us in the medical/social historical context:
http://www.superhumanradio.com/components/com_podcast/media/mp3s/SHR_Show_1127.mp3
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bw4vtEP44LmhX3drTDRIbUwzekk/edit

Read Breast Cancer Action USA published article:
http://bcaction.org/2013/01/22/a-mothers-guilt-des-a-tragedy-of-three-generations/

BREAST CANCER VICTIMS DENIED DES INFORMATION

Media Release
11th January 2013

Australian breast cancer victims denied DES information

A breakthrough legal case this week in Boston USA against drug company Eli Lilly has opened the compensation floodgates for breast cancer victims who were exposed in the womb to the anti-miscarriage drug DES. But thousands of Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer are oblivious to the fact of their DES exposure, its full health implications, the vital health care they need, and that they too, might have opportunity to get compensation.

DES, or diethylstilboestrol, was prescribed to millions of pregnant women over three decades to prevent miscarriage. It was taken off the market in the early 1970s after it was linked to clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina/cervix in women exposed to DES fin the womb. The DES Action group in NSW says there would be thousands of women diagnosed with breast cancer among their estimated 185,000 DES daughters in Australia who are oblivious to the link between DES and breast cancer.

"The DES health situation in this country is a huge mess," says Carol Devine, the group's coordinator. "Protecting drug companies is likely at the core of it, especially where the government refuses to promote the DES health issue in public health programs." "The population is oblivious to this extremely harmful drug and now our breast cancer victims are suffering," adds Devine.

The Breastscreen Australia Evaluation Report in 2009 stated DES daughters do not require extra screening. However, there is contradictory advice by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Cancer Council NSW that DES daughters should have annual mammography and breast checks.

More information about DES at www.desnsw.blogspot.com

US Victory/Australian DES Mess

From USA this week comes the welcomed news of the successful legal settlement by four sisters who sued drug company Eli Lilly, claiming their breast cancer was caused by their exposure to DES in the womb. The Melnick sisters' case was the first to go to trial out of scores of similar claims filed around US.
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/world/us-cancer-sisters-settle-with-drug-firm/story-e6frfkui-1226550863417


This legal breakthrough highlights the mess in Australian DES health care, where thousands of Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer are oblivious to the fact of having been DES exposed. Adding insult to injury, the 2009 Breastscreen Evaluation Report stated DES daughters do not need extra screening, when we know they need annual mammography according to Cancer Council NSW and RANZCOG advice. At the very core of this DES mess is the Australian government's refusal to promote DES information in public health programs, thus denying the prospects of Australians ever knowing the possibility of having been exposed to the drug.

Today the publication for doctors, Medical Observer reported about the legal trial's success, but failed to address breast health care advice for DES daughters. Our NSW DES Action group  has written to the Federal Health Minister today requesting her prompt investigation into this terrible discrepancy in breast health care advice for DES daughters. Our group has sent media releases about the successful trial and our urgent matter to major newspapers across Australia.Now we just wait for the Australian media to wake up and see the seriousness of our DES mess.

Breast Cancer Lawsuit

This week US media has been reporting on the DES lawsuit about to unfold in Boston federal court this Friday. This case involves the Melnick sisters, who will be suing drug manufacturer Eli Lilly & Co. All DES daughters, the four sisters Donna, Michele, Andrea and Francine, aside from suffering DES associated problems of miscarriages, fertility and reproductive tract problems, have all been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Their case is the first among 51 other DES daughters similarly affected by breast cancer with cases pending.

Some media articles here (one including Boston TV footage):

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/03/diethylstilbestrol-lawsuit-des-pregnancy-drug-melnick-sisters-breast-cancer_n_2405316.html

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/01/03/4-sisters-who-had-breast-cancer-sue-drugmaker-over-mothers-medication/