Effects of Diindolylmethane for Testosterone and Estrogen Levels

Supplementing with diindolylmethane for testosterone and estrogen balance may have several health benefits.

3,3′-diindolylmethane is more commonly referred to as DIM.

It is a naturally-synthesized compound that results from the digestion of certain vegetables. DIM is made inside the body after consumption of cruciferous vegetables including Brussels sprouts, kale, watercress, broccoli and others.

It is being researched for its effects as a chemopreventive and anticancer agent.

It is also used to help with PMS symptoms, for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) and for benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate gland).

Many people, especially bodybuilders and women with painful PMS symptoms, use diindolylmethane for natural testosterone and estrogen regulation.

Some of the secondary benefits of improved sex hormone balance may include better metabolism, increased muscle building capacities, improved cardiovascular health and more.

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 for Testosterone and Estrogen

Male and female hormones have many commonalities.

All hormones are secreted by the endocrine system and cause specific biological and psychological effects throughout the body.

Male and female hormones are called androgens and estrogens respectively.

Both men and women manufacture and utilize both classes of hormones.

The main difference lies in how much of each hormone class each gender requires and produces.

In general, men produce between 6 and 8 milligrams of testosterone (a primary androgenic hormone) daily, while women manufacture only about ½ of one milligram of testosterone daily. Similarly, women generate much more estrogens than do men.

In research trials, using diindolylmethane supplements for testosterone and estrogen benefits seems to help to maintain proper levels of androgens and estrogens in both genders.

Diindolylmethane Benefits for Women

The most common endocrine system disorder amongst women is estrogenic imbalance. There are more than two dozen known estrogens that women use in every organ system, for numerous functions.

Some estrogens, like 2-hydroxy estrogen, are known to be generally safe. These are the “good” estrogens.

Other estrogens, like 4-hydroxy and 16-hydroxy estrogens, are known to be carcinogenic at high levels and are therefore commonly called “bad” estrogens.

Estrogens are found in all humans, all other animals and some insects. Even the “bad” estrogens perform various integral bodily functions, and are therefore indispensable. The issue lies in having too much of the estrogens accumulate in the adipocytes (fat storage centers).

Besides the increased risks for developing estrogen-based cancers (breast, uterine, cervical, prostate), having excessive estrogens in the blood can often lead to the onset of estrogen dominance.

For women, administration of diindolylmethane for estrogen and testosterone balance may help to avoid estrogen dominance symptoms including:

• Increased signs of aging;
• Sinus congestion, asthma, hives, allergies;
• Increased risks for developing autoimmune diseases like lupus, RA and thyroiditis;
• Cervical dysplasia;
• Excessive fat accumulation;
• CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome);
• Low libido;
• Mineral imbalances;
• Osteoporosis;
• Various others…

For men, having too low estrogen levels does not seem to be problematic. However, excessively elevated estrogens levels is often associated with low testosterone levels.

Symptoms of high estrogen in men may include gynecomastia (male breast growth), androgenic alopecia (unnatural hair loss anywhere on the body), developing feministic traits, low sex drive, weakness, fatigue and others.

Diindolylmethane Benefits for Men

As men progress through middle age and into their elderly years, they are likely to experience decreased testosterone production.

Unlike women who synthesize estrogen in their ovaries, fat cells and adrenals, men must convert testosterone into estradiol (a major estrogen) via the actions of aromatase; an adrenal enzyme imperative for estrogen biosynthesis.

Taking diindolylmethane for upregulating testosterone production may help to alleviate symptoms associated with low-T levels. As men age, and thereby produce less testosterone, many are also affected by increased production of aromatase.

This can be caused by aging itself, alcohol consumption, obesity, insulin resistance and other factors. The actions of aromatase often cause further reductions in already-low testosterone levels.

Low testosterone in men may cause low libido, low energy, erectile dysfunction, depression and/or impotence.

Diindolylmethane vs. Hormone Replacement Therapies

Women and men are electing to undergo hormone replacement therapies more than ever before. Synthetic testosterone and estrogen are introduced via injections, creams, tablets and other forms.

Common side effects for estrogen replacement therapies include headaches, water retention, tender breasts, vomiting, vaginal discharge, uterine fibroids, darkening/spotting skin and weight gain.

Use of testosterone replacement therapies (TRTs) has risen exponentially in popularity over the past decade. TRTs are associated with a long list of possible side effects, not limited to:

• Benign prostatic hypertrophy;
• Prostate cancer;
• Sleep apnea;
• Blindness;
• Congestive heart failure;
• Erectile dysfunction, impotence, infertility;
• Numerous others…

Both men and women should discuss using diindolylmethane for natural testosterone and estrogen leveling before beginning supplementation. There are possible drug interactions to consider, as well as possible side effects with long-term or high-dose usage.

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