Stilboestrol Health Dictionary

A drug that mimics the natural oestrogen hormone estradiol.

It is occasionally used to treat prostate cancer.

Side effects are those of oestrogens.

A synthetic oestrogen (see OESTROGENS). Its physiological actions are closely similar to those of the natural ovarian hormone, and it has the great merit of being active when taken by mouth. The drug may help patients suffering from cancer of the PROSTATE GLAND, inducing in some cases regression of the primary tumour and of secondary deposits in bone.