Diindolylmethane Benefits – How does it Work for Estrogen Levels?

A growing list of benefits is being attributed to diindolylmethane (DIM), a product of indole-3-carbinol digestion. DIM benefits are being researched for their role in the prevention of cancer (including breast, uterine and colorectal cancer). It has also been research for preventing benign prostatic hypertrophy and treating premenopausal syndrome (PMS) symptoms. [1]

Diindolylmethane is a dimeric product naturally produced from the digestion of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a chemical contained in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts.

I3C has been reviewed by the National Institutes of Health as a possible agent for the prevention of some cancers. The NIH is now sponsoring research into the use of I3C in breast cancer prevention and for other health benefits. [2]

Research on I3C has spurned interest in the possible benefits of supplementing with Diindolylmethane. More research is needed before the effects (particularly the long-term effects) of DIM can be established.

DIM

Hormone Supplement

Estrogen

Testo- sterone

Body- building

How It Works:

• Aids healthy hormone balance for men & women
• Mitigates some effects of excess estrogen
• Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory benefits

Dosage:

Between 100 - 600 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Diindolylmethane Benefits for Estrogen Levels

A quick examination of DIM user reviews quickly reveals this supplement is often used for conditions related to excess estrogen. Many DIM supplements are marketed as products to help support healthy estrogen levels.

The benefits of Diindolylmethane are said to include improved metabolism of estrogen, which may support weight loss, hormone balance and offer anti-cancer effects. DIM is also said to have benefits for men’s health and for protecting normal testosterone levels.

DIM’s Effects on Estrogen

Diindolylmethane has been found to improve the balance of “good” forms of estrogen compared to “bad” forms of estrogen. It helps to prevent excessive levels of this hormone, which can lead to a number of complications related to estrogen dominance.

Estrogen is the main female sex hormone and is responsible for the development and function of both the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics.

Although the term estrogen is often used in a way that suggests it refers to one specific hormone, the term actually encapsulates a number of naturally produced hormones and other compounds that mimic the structure of estrogen.

Different Forms of Estrogen

The three most common estrogens in the female body are estrone, estradiol and estriol. The concentrations of these estrogens vary as a woman ages: prior to menopause, the majority of estrogen is produced in the ovaries and is up to 80 % estradiol with only 10 % estriol and estrone, respectively.

After menopause the most commonly produced estrogen is estrone and it is mostly produced by the body’s fat cells.

Estrogen metabolism is crucial in preventing excess estrogen levels in the body. Without proper metabolism, blood estrogen levels can significantly increase because the hormone is not being metabolized (broken down) and secreted.

Estrogen is metabolized in the liver and this process produces four main metabolites: 2-hydroxy-estrone; 2-hydroxy-estradiol; 4-hydroxy-estrone and 16a-hydroxy-estrone.

The last two metabolites – 4-hydroxyl-estrone and 16a-hydroxy-estrone – are considered “bad” estrogens that may play a role in the development of hormone-sensitive cancers. For example, women with breast cancer are often found to have higher levels of 16a-hydroxy-estrone.

The remaining two estrogens – 2-hydroxy-estrone and 2-hydroxy-estradiol – are considered “good” estrogens that display protective actions in the body.

Diindolylmethane has been found to improve excessive estrogen levels and to increase the ratio of “good” forms of this hormone to “bad” forms. This may have a number of health benefits for women and for men.

Using DIM to Lower Estrogen Levels

In women, excess estrogen can cause mood swings, hair loss, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue and host of other symptoms. A number of lifestyle changes can support the metabolism and excretion of estrogen, including

• eating a high-fiber diet;
• getting regular exercise;
• getting enough sleep;
• losing weight. [3]

Taking a Diindolylmethane supplement can help to balance excessive levels of this hormone. DIM is used to help reduce excess estrogen and support the production of protective or “good” estrogens.

For instance, DIM supplementation has been observed to promote 2-hydroxylase, an enzyme that helps make more 2-hydroxy-estrone and 2-hydroxy-estradiol. It has also been observed to reduce the production of 16a-hydroxy-estrone.

Consumer reviews of DIM supplements indicate many are happy with the supplement’s effects on symptoms of excess estrogen and estrogen dominance. Many report weight loss, clearer skin and mood stability with DIM supplementation.

It is important to note that the majority of tests related to the use of DIM for estrogen metabolism have been conducted on animals. More research is needed before the long-term effects of DIM supplementation can be established.

Benefits of DIM for Males

Diindolylmethane benefits also include preventing the conversion of testosterone into estrogen in men. This compound acts as an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen.

While men do need estrogen for a number of important functions in the body, high levels of this hormone can cause men to gain weight, experience lower sex drive and may result in gynecomastia – the development of male breast tissue.

Many men and bodybuilders who use testosterone boosting supplements take DIM pills to inhibit the conversion of this additional testosterone into estrogen and prevent possible side effects.

Diindolylmethane for Cancer

As one of the primary metabolites of I3C, DIM has received considerable research attention for its potential anti-cancer properties.

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes that while DIM has been observed to exhibit anti-cancer effects in laboratory experiments, human trials are absent. More research is needed before the effects of DIM on the prevention of cancer in the human body can be understood. [4]

Diindolylmethane Side Effects

The lack of human studies means the long-term effects of Diindolylmethane remain unknown. However, during clinical studies DIM has been reported to be well tolerated at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day over the course of a 12-week study. [5]

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates DIM as “Likely Safe” when taken orally in amounts equal to those commonly found in foods (between 2-24 mg). However, most DIM supplements recommend a dose of around 200 mg/day.

Alternatively, Natural Medicines rates short-term medicinal use of DIM as “Possibly Safe” for a period of up to 12 weeks. However, they also note that DIM may be “Possibly Unsafe’ when taken in high doses.

Diindolylmethane may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications, particularly those that affect estrogen levels.

The extent to which DIM affects estrogen levels in humans is still the subject of investigation. Anyone with hormone-sensitive cancer or any hormone-sensitive condition should not use DIM before speaking with their doctor.

Do not take DIM if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing. In addition, DIM should not be used with birth control pills.

Speak with your doctor before taking this supplement to determine whether it is safe for you and to learn more about diindolylmethane benefits and side effects.

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