Final answer:
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was a synthetic estrogen hormone given as a form of hormonal contraception to prevent pregnancy-related issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was given to prevent pregnancy-related issues. It was a synthetic estrogen hormone that mimicked the effects of natural estrogen in the body. It was used as a form of hormonal contraception and was taken to prevent ovulation, fertilization, and implantation of the fertilized egg, thus preventing pregnancy.
Its recognition as an endocrine disruptor has led to greater understanding of the potential for certain chemicals to interfere with the body's hormonal system, generating adverse effects.
Hormonal contraception methods, including the pill, use hormones such as estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy primarily by interfering with ovulation. Oral contraceptives, which contain these hormones, prevent ovulation and create changes in the uterus and cervical mucus to stop sperm from fertilizing an egg.