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There appears to be an indirect relationship between indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and testosterone levels in the body.
I3C exhibits hormone balancing effects that may increase levels of testosterone in certain situations.
However, this supplement should not primarily be thought of as a “testosterone booster”. I3C and testosterone synthesis are connected because of I3C’s affect on estrogen in the body.
Like DIM (Diindolylmethane), I3C is used to promote the metabolism of estrogenic compounds. It may prevent levels of estrogen from becoming too high or too low.
It has also been shown to inhibit the effects of the aromatase enzyme. This is the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. Excess activity of this enzyme is linked to gynecomastia in men as well as weight gain and feminine characteristics.
I3C is used for various estrogen-related conditions and diseases, including prostate cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), low testosterone levels and more.
These are uses that have not been verified through clinical experimentation. In some cases, research results have been reported in vitro, but not in vivo.
Hormone Balance
Weight Loss
Liver Health- Supports healthy estrogen metabolism
- Improve hormone balance & fat burning
- Promotes liver detoxification
Top I3C Products* ❯I3C Overview
Related Topics
Indole-3-carbinol is a plant nutrient that is concentrated in cruciferous vegetables (crucifers).
Some of these vegetables include kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy and watercress.
Cruciferous vegetables contain compounds called glucosinolates.
When a certain glucosinolate called glucobrassicin is broken down by water molecules (hydrolyzed), indole-3-carbinol is produced.
I3C, in turn, is the precursor to a compound called diindolylmethane (DIM).
Both I3C and DIM are being explored by researchers to understand their possible anti-cancer, hormone-regulating, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Indole-3-Carbinol and Testosterone
Testosterone production slows as men age. This reduction in testosterone levels is often accompanied by an increase in estrogen levels. This can lead to a hormone imbalance, which, if left uncorrected, may lead to various adverse symptoms and conditions.
Aging men may experience a number of negative symptoms if testosterone levels become too low and estrogen levels become too high.
These include: gynecomastia (breast growth), loss of muscle tissue, gains of fat tissue, androgenic alopecia (hair loss), loss of libido, mental fog, enlarged prostate, chronic fatigue and erectile dysfunction.
Some healthcare providers have been recommending I3C and DIM supplements to support testosterone levels. But how effective are these supplements?
Indole-3-carbinol and testosterone production are indirectly related.I3C has been observed to inhibit the actions of aromatase. Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen.
When aging men are already experiencing low testosterone levels, converting testosterone to estrogen is often not desirable. By inhibiting aromatase, less testosterone gets used for estrogen synthesis.
Estrogen and Testosterone Balance
It is important to maintain healthy and balanced hormone levels. This can become difficult as men age. Having the proper levels of testosterone and estrogen is important for a healthy libido, supporting cognitive function, maintaining bone strength and promoting cardiovascular health.
Factors that can lead to a surplus of estrogen and a deficit of testosterone, in both men and women, include:
- Excessive alcohol consumption;
- Being overweight/obese;
- Using synthetic hormone replacement therapies;
- Taking certain prescription medications;
- Using certain illicit drugs;
- Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides;
- Lack of exercise;
- Poor diet;
- Inadequate hydration.
Taking an indole-3-carbinol supplement, or at least ensuring that you consume adequate amounts of crucifers, may help support healthy levels of estrogen and testosterone. However, this effect may be mild in some individuals.
There is no evidence that I3C can increase testosterone in healthy men with normal levels of this hormone.
I3C may also support improved estrogen metabolism. When taking this supplement, the liver metabolizes estrogens into 2-hydroxyestrone metabolites.
2-hydroxyestrones is known to exhibit a protective effect on cells, which may help suppress the development of various cancers, and slow the effects of aging. These are sometimes called “good estrogens”.
4-and-16-hydroxyestrone are sometimes called “bad estrogens”. These molecules have been linked to an increased risk of developing certain hormone-sensitive cancers. They have been implicated in breast cancer development.
Indole-3-Carbinol Effects on Weight Loss
Taking I3C supplements for testosterone may help maintain healthy long-term weight levels. High estrogen levels have been linked to increased fat storage.
This means if your estrogen levels are too high, your body may be programmed to retain more fat and use less of it for energy metabolism.
Higher levels of 2-hydroxyestrone are associated with improved function of catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Epinephrine and norepinephrine are known to increase lipolysis. This describes the process by which stored fats are burned as a primary energy source. By stimulating this process, I3C may support weight loss by increasing fat metabolism
Testosterone is also known to stimulate fat burning. Testosterone is involved in muscle development, concentration, sleep patterns, bone density, insulin sensitivity, erectile function, motivation levels and mood.
To the degree that I3C can increase testosterone levels and reduce estrogen, it may promote weight loss and muscle building.
Indole-3-Carbinol: Safety and Side Effects
I3C is likely safe in amounts commonly consumed in the diet, usually between 20 and 120 mg per day. If using I3C supplements, Natural Medicines rates doses between 120 mg and 200 mg a day as likely safe for periods of up to 15 months in healthy adults.
The duration of dosages between 200 mg and 400 mg a day should be limited to three months. Rashes and small elevations of P450 cytochrome liver enzymes may be experienced.
Doses of more than 400 mg per day may cause tremor, lack of balance and other adverse effects.
Conclusions
Maintaining a proper balance of hormones is important for men and women alike. By maintaining proper estrogen balance, aging men may experience improved testosterone levels.
I3C supplements may be able to support this hormone balance and help to protect testosterone levels in some cases.
I3C supplements may offer heath advantages, when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, including daily exercise, a nutritious diet, effective stress management and adequate hydration.
Speak to your doctor about the possible benefits of indole-3-carbinol for testosterone levels. Certain side effects and drug interactions are possible.
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Article last updated on: April 8th, 2018 by Nootriment