All rights reserved. The DIM compound may have several estrogen-related effects in your body:. She is a member of the MindBodyGreen Collective and a faculty member for the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine. Dr. Jolene Brighten, NMD, is a womens hormone expert and prominent leader in womens medicine. Current human research doesnt show DIM supplements to be toxic or have serious side effects. I just turned 47 and my cycles which used to be 28 days are now creeping down to 22-25 days. Its important to note that a higher dose of DIM was used because this was a study on patients with thyroid proliferative disease. Is Garcinia Cambogia Safe for Weight Loss? Hi Shari Most people are lead to believe DIM reduces oestrogen levels, it doesn't. It changes the ratio of bad oestrone to better. In fact, they may be harmful to some women. There are many different opinions on when to take it, but the general consensus is that taking it every day for 3 weeks will be beneficial. Its the period leading up to menopause. Thanks so much Diane, for your support and input in helping me figure this out. Less common side effects included nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and a skin rash. Dim lighting has been known to help regulate the release of hormones that cause your period to arrive. Lowers toxins . Taking Iron During Your Period. It will also regulate our thyroid gland, which has to do with feeling cold all the time. My question is about calcium d glucarate. In addition, DIM may help repair damaged DNA. "I would say about 10% of my clients who have used DIM see a change in their menstrual . Again, there's no clear-cut proof that DIM supplements can prevent or cure cancer. When used at dosages of up to 150 mg daily for up to a year, it is probably safe for most individuals. Most of the time, rest and over-the-counter medications help. The same thing goes for individuals who are allergic to garlic or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. Due to insufficient evidence, dosage information for DIM is lacking. your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable. At most cases, blood or urine is tested in a doctors office or lab. Because DIM metabolites have an amber tint that bleeds into your urine, this occurs. It was still very heavy but I didn't leak for the first time since I could remember. 5 Ways DIM Benefits Estrogen Levels. DIM may be effective at inhibiting aromatase. My emotional PMS still very bad and it was very painful and heavy like the month before. To understand how DIM supports your estrogen we first have to understand how estrogen is metabolized. What Are the Symptoms of Low Estrogen in Women and How Are They Treated? Have been stable on Synthroid until Menopause. In fact, it may help combat prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), a condition thats characterized by prostate cell growth and considered to be a precursor to prostate cancer (14). This is why DIM can possibly prevent the excess production of estrogen and support healthy testosterone levels. Test-tube and animal studies suggest that DIM supplements may help prevent the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. Its an essential hormone for women, and is responsible for so much good stuff like cognition, protecting our bones, and helping us have healthy pregnancies. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid using DIM supplements. DIM has shown to have a number of health benefits. The most common side effect was darkening of the urine. Too much estrogen also tends to create deficiencies of zinc, magnesium and B vitamins. It is the female body's natural response to blood loss. getting enough sleep and keeping a regular sleep schedule. Depending on your flow this could be two or three times a day. . What Happens to Your Body During the TWW? Due to limited research, proper dosages for DIM are unknown. Have you tried DIM? An increasing amount of people are taking DIM supplements to help with issues like acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), weight loss and maybe even cancer. I realized then my period was a week late. When broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables are exposed to stomach acid after chewing, indole-3-carbinol is created, which is then converted into DIM. 6. Perimenopause is the period between a womans later reproductive years and menopause. I was eating right and exercising, but everything felt tight. Get regular, high-quality sleep. Periods will start to become irregular, until they disappear altogether. Made from non-GMO-certified soybeans, this product is a plant-based source of phytoestrogens to provide holistic supplementation for a . Vaginal atrophy or dryness Night sweats and hot flashes Periods that are irregular or nonexistent (amenorrhea). DIM may also cause tumor cells to self-destruct, assisting in the removal of excess estrogen from the body. Understanding the risks. The dosage of bioavailable, microencapsulated DIM for males participating in a physical conditioning program should be between 150 and 400 mg per day. The way that DIM gets into your system is an interesting process. Your menstrual cycle and period are controlled by hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Nonetheless, further studies are needed particularly for uses related to acne, weight loss, and PMS symptoms, which arent currently backed by human research. The use of any information provided on this web site is solely at your own risk. I started reading up on DIM again and some women on this forum had similar experiences. When you eat cruciferous vegetables, your stomach acid breaks down a compound called indole-3-carbinol to produce a new compound called DIM (3). DIM increased the 2OHE1 ratio compared to the placebo with minimal adverse effects. Dim has no known harmful effects by itself, but it may cause problems when taken in high doses or if you have any kind of intestinal obstruction. This can result from the ovaries or other tissues producing too much estrogen, testosterone being converted into estrogen, or from poor metabolism of estrogen itself. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have ovulation pain, also called mittelschmerz, you may experience twinging or cramps during ovulation. Ugh!! She suggested Aygestin (synthetic progesterone) to get it back in phase or an ablation. Fight zits and skin damage with all-natural, organic. You take this pill every day at the same time. exercising regularly. The most common side effects include darkening of the urine, an increase in bowel movements, headaches, and gas (3, 8). From erratic (and often, heavy) periods to weight gain, as well as hot flashes, swollen breasts and mood swingsthese symptoms are quite common during perimenopause. Although research on DIM is still quite limited, its thought to help balance estrogen levels in your body (1). Diane, I have heard many good reviews for DIM which is why I wanted to try it. Although this web site is not intended to be prescriptive, it is intended, and hoped, that it will induce in you a sufficient level of scepticism about some health care practices to impel you to seek out medical advice thatis not captive to purely commercial interests, or blinded by academic and institutional hubris. Men trying to manage their testosterone levels may turn to estrogen blockers to help balance their hormones. You can take action at home by beginning to incorporate cruciferous vegetables, fiber, and other nutrients to support your hormones. It was very unusual. For most women, 3-5 milligrams is a safe dose of DIM; higher doses may cause unwanted side effects. This indicates that it might be linked to weight reduction and good weight control. It's easy to do. Finally, dim light has been known to make sleep problems worse for people who struggle with insomnia. Thats the bad news. Information provided on this web site DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any doctor affiliated with our web site. Anything else you use could be harmful to your health. You are encouragedto refer any health problem to a health care practitioner and, in reference to any information contained in thisweb site, preferably one with specific knowledge of, Join in and write your own page! Vitex is a powerful adaptogenic herb that is often used post-pill to help your body make hormones again, help bring your period back, and help regulate your cycle overall. This can help prevent headaches and other unwanted issues that can arise when using a Phase 1 nutrient alone. avocados. DIM may reduce the efficacy of medications processed by the liver, such as imipramine, propranolol, and olanzapine. DIM may specifically boost the formation of 2-hydroxyestrone, a less strong but more favorable type of estrogen ( 1 ). Copyright 2020 - 2023 Stamina Comfort Inc. What causes your period to be less frequent? With type 2 diabetes, too much insulin is required by the body for blood sugar control. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, medical advisor within the tech community, and considered a leading authority on womens health. Taking DIM is safe for most people, but it may affect those who struggle with cancer, depression, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Some of them have shorter menstrual cycles, while others have longer periods, and a few have had their period twice in a month.. Levels of a certain kind of estrogen may lead to higher risks of cancer in men, just as it can in women. It's important to listen to your body and be kind to yourself during your cycle - so if you're feeling a little heavier but still want a bath, the option to wear a tampon is there. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to reduce period bloating, which include: 3. If youve been struggling with PMS symptoms, heavy periods, acne, breast tenderness or symptoms of PCOS or perimenopause then youve probably come across a DIM supplement as a solution. "The daily recommended intake of 600 IUs is debatable since studies show higher amounts of D are necessary for disease- and cancer-prevention benefits." Start by getting your levels checked to. If you answered yes to the first question, then you should consider trying diming out. While the exact mechanism is unknown, indole-3-carbinol is thought to be partly responsible (4, 5, 6). I am not due for my yearly and another PAP until November. It may also help maintain breast health and could prevent painful breasts (mastalgia). The Best Supplements for Healthy Digestion, How to Get the Protective Power of Vitamin K, Helps prevent the effects of estrogen on cells, Lowers toxins produced by your bodys natural metabolism. DIM works at the Phase 1 detox level to help your liver make the most favorable metabolite, 2OHE1 and reduce the excess production of potentially harmful 4OHE1 and 16OHE1. Such individuals should steer clear of DIM supplements unless under the supervision of a medical professional. It also functions as an anabolic hormone. During your menstrual cycle, hormones make . I had cramps everyday. Inactivity. You may have shorter menstrual cycles, lengthier periods, or two monthly periods. Gaining weight. . For example, to obtain the dosage of 100300mg of DIM recommended for women, youd need to eat a lot more broccoli and cabbage than you might want to. I asked about natural progesterone and she said it wasn't strong enough. "It binds to the androgen receptor so that there's no 'hole' for the androgen 'keys' to bind to," says Dr . He or she may also perform tests to determine if you have diabetes. Due to a lack of research in humans, little is known about the long-term safety and side effects of DIM supplements. I take 2 a day. All About Natural and Pharmaceutical Estrogen Blockers for Males, Our Favorite Healthy Finds: Organic Beauty Products for Acne-Prone Skin, The 12 Best Collagen Supplements for Better Skin. The DIM compound may have several estrogen-related effects in your body: Helps prevent the effects of estrogen on cells. Fibroids, polyps, and endometrial lesions, like those seen in endometriosis, can also be stimulated by estrogen. In the pilot study I mentioned first, urine analysis showed that DIM regulated estrogen metabolism in patients. Choosing a dose. At the end there was about 5 days of spotting. annoying but tolerable. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License, Hello. Read more about me here. The best answer I can give you is when your cycle begins, so if you dont know when your cycle has begun, then its best to ask your doctor. Though DIM supplements are popular, there is still no significant proof of their safety and effectiveness. Plant-derived 3,3'-Diindolylmethane is a strong androgen antagonist in human prostate cancer cells. Calcium D-glucarate helps the body safely remove excess hormones, supports detoxification, and may be protective against certain cancers. A fierce patient advocate and completely dedicated to uncovering the root cause of hormonal imbalances, Dr. Brighten empowers women worldwide to take control of their health and their hormones. That was when I added DIM to my regimen and that was when everything went haywire. Solutions for Histamine Intolerance: #1. Other ovulation pain symptoms include light vaginal bleeding and discharge. If you do decide to take Vitex, don't take it for longer than 3-6 months maximum at a time, then stop and see how your hormones are without it. Finally, dim light has been known to make sleep problems worse for people who struggle with insomnia. It can be difficult to meet the increase in iron through . If this becomes a problem, talk to your doctor. DIM may be helpful for breast health because it supports Phase 1 metabolism of estrogen in the liver, favoring 2OHE1. DHT is the form of testosterone associated with prostate cancer in men and conditions like hirsutism (hair where you dont want it) and acne in women. Your doctor can decide whether you need to switch to a different drug while taking DIM. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this web site. Just turned 51, my dr, had me take DIM (days 1-10) and topical progesterone (days 20-27) when my period was regular, now its out of whack- haven't had it in . Take an iron supplement: Low iron often leads to heavy periods, so taking a supplement can help reduce the amount of blood flow overall. DIM is short for diindolylmethane, a metabolite of indole-3-carbinol. If you are thinking about taking dim, ask yourself these questions: Is dimming beneficial for me? Dr. Jolene BrightenPublished: August 27, 2021Last Reviewed: January 14, 2022 Balancing Your Hormones, Period Problems, PMS & PMDD Leave a Comment. Hi Im a 21 year old male, I started taking progesterone in September of this year as a supplement to my trt regime (cancer survivor under doctor supervision). Consistently. Headache, nausea, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea are the most prevalent adverse effects. It's great that it works for you and your daughter. Researchers are looking into the anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting effects of diindolylmethane (DIM), a compound commonly found in cruciferous vegetables including: DIM supplements appear to help adjust the hormone estrogen. No matter DIMs effectiveness, its always good to eat more cruciferous veggies. Bones that are weak or fragile. It's then excreted in the bile, but an enzyme in the intestine called beta-glucuronidase reverses the glucuronidation process. As it affects estrogen levels, DIM may help treat a variety of conditions, including hormone-sensitive cancers and prostate issues. Then put a lot of lubricant on your fingertips. Left untreated, these conditions can progress and require surgery. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), coldness in the uterus is a common cause of scanty period, no . Reduce your sugar consumption. The majority of individuals find that taking DIM first thing in the morning with a glass of water and a little amount of food is the best way to proceed. Difficulty with weight gain on your hips, butt, or thighs, Hair loss, or hair popping up where you dont want it. This is a very common condition that affects the health of women all over the world (often unknowingly). A yearlong study gave 130 women with breast cancer on tamoxifen therapy either a placebo or 150 mg of DIM twice a day. The North American Menopause Society. Incidentally, using pads for urinary incontinence has helped a little. Estrogen dominance could unfortunately come about for various reasons: anovulation (no ovulation), stress, adrenal issues, excess fat in the body, the environment, digestive problems, and autoimmune conditions. 10 Natural Hormone Balance Techniques Every meal should have adequate protein. Both of these are necessary for the neutralization of estrogen in the liver. If you have been following me, you might have seen the pre- and post-surgery protocol I created when facing a double hip replacement (on August 28, 2017). . Specifically, DIM may stimulate the production of a less potent, more beneficial form of estrogen known as 2-hydroxyestrone (1). As a result, people looking to treat a specific condition like acne or prostate issues may seek a concentrated dose in the form of a DIM supplement. Any advice? It removes carcinogens, toxins, tumour promoters, the sex hormones ie, the androgens and oestrogens, mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, aromatic and heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, various nitrosamines, drugs, fungi etc. DIM may be helpful for breast health because it supports Phase 1 metabolism of estrogen in the liver, favoring 2OHE1. Whiteley J, Dibonaventura MD, Wagner J-S, Alvir J, Shah S. The Impact of Menopausal Symptoms on Quality of Life, Productivity, and Economic Outcomes. It is a form of long-term birth control and also reduces or eliminates monthly bleeding. Mu bloodwork revealed estrogen dominance. One study found that DIM supplements are more effective than DIM that comes from food. My period is 2 days late, and it never is normally late. Non-GMO Soy Isoflavones 750 mg: Recommended for Hot Flashes. Supplements can help. A few clinical trials have shown that it supports healthy estrogen levels, lowering the risk of certain cancers and diseases like lupus that are linked to estrogen. Saliva tests are simple to do at home. While in perimenopause, a womans progesterone levels will begin to decline as her ovulation is less regular. how long to take dim for estrogen dominance, how long does it take for dim supplement to work in your body. I stopped the DIM right after. The best source of DIM is fresh garlic. DIM stimulates the body to . I had some tests done at the gyn and she told me I had fibroids, possible adenomysis and that my lining was out of phase (she didn't clearly explain what that meant. The night sweats come about 11 days before my period and can run into when I have my period. In human research, doses typically range from 108900 mg per day though these studies were only related to treatments for cancer and prostate enlargement (8, 9, 14). Another study shows that increased levels of 16OHE1 may lead to a greater chance of thyroid proliferative disease. Diindolylmethane, or DIM for short, is a plant indolea plant compound with health-promoting properties. The how long to take dim for estrogen dominance is a question that many people have. DIM has been shown to promote lipolysis in studies (fat burning). Other uses of DIM supplements, such as weight loss and acne treatment, have not been studied in humans. Zeligs MA, Brownstone PK, Sharp ME, et al. DIM is a compound your body creates when you eat cruciferous vegetables. I guess it just puzzles me that I had been taking the Pr for months and didn't feel bad until the DIM. A pilot study showed that DIM is an effective estradiol modulator (estradiol is a form of estrogen). However, in a 6-month study in 551 women with cervical abnormalities, taking 150 mg of DIM per day had no effect on cervical cell changes (3, 13). My breasts hurt (which never usually happens to me) and when my period finally came it was so awful. How? eating a balanced diet and limiting the intake of sugar, fat, salt, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol. DIM alters estrogen metabolism in a beneficial way, producing more good estrogens and fewer harmful estrogens. So that was a plus. Im 50 years old and thought maybe I was starting to go into menopause. Men also benefit from DIM. Being overweight might also have an impact on your menstrual period. Don'ts Which Supplement Has Been Shown To Repair Connective Tissue? Nearly 13 percent of the women reported changes in their menstrual cycle when they took DIM. In a 12-month study, 21 men with high-grade PIN were given either a placebo or 900 mg of DIM per day. Concentration issues Irritability and moodiness. My main reason for seeking out progesterone was to help with the heavy periods I get every month. Is it ok to drink alcohol while taking DIM capsules? The first period I had was very slightly better. Estrogen Dominance: 15 Signs Mood changes. Physical activity: Getting regular physical activity has been proven to relieve PMS symptoms like bloating. Test-tube and animal studies likewise suggest that DIM helps fight prostate cancer. DIM may help your body maintain healthy testosterone levels. For instance, some studies suggest DIM encourages the death of cancer cells. It also lowered estrogen levels from 8.00 pg/mL in controls to 4.56 pg/mL. It worries me to be irregular. I've heard that DIM can increase testosteron/androgens in men and probably can in some women too. The recommended dosage of myo-inositol for most women with PCOS is 4000 mg/day taken in two doses. Before taking these supplements, get dosage guidance from your healthcare provider. While estrogen levels decrease during menopause, the truth is, estrogen levels do not fall significantly until after a woman's last period. DIM Promotes Fat Decomposition DIM is linked to estrogen metabolism, which is important for body weight regulation. There is research showing the benefits of eating cruciferous vegetables, but understand when DIM is specifically looked at, all the benefits come from supplements. Estrogen dominance symptoms might mimic those of perimenopause, menopause, or even PMS. Put the lubricant around the tampon and try to slide it out. People who take dim out of concern for its potential negative effects are likely overthinking things. there is not enough progesterone to oppose estrogen). During Phase 1 your liver converts estrogen into 3 metabolites2 hydroxy estrone (2OHE1), 4 hydroxy estrone (4OHE1), and 16 hydroxy estrone (16OHE1). Still, you may wonder whether these uses are backed by scientific evidence. That dose did not affect sperm growth or testicular tissue. KEEPING IT REAL, WHILE KEEPING YOU EDUCATED. Balance Womens Hormone Support is a comprehensive formula designed to help support a healthy hormone balance of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in women. I know estrogen is often demonized, but we need estrogen! What Is The Number One Food Supplement In The World? 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. After a year without a period a woman is considered to be in menopause. Even if you eat plenty of veggies, you may not get much DIM if cruciferous vegetables arent a regular part of your meals. Heavy Menstrual Cycles Bloating. I don't need to be shelling out the extra bucks anywaylol. Learn more about Balance Womens Hormone Support. Intriguingly, observational studies associate high cruciferous vegetable intake with a reduced risk of certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. Santoro, N.. Perimenopause: From Research to Practice. Brighten, J.. Why Orgasms Are Good For Women + How to Improve Your Libido. It also can inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, which may help balance these two hormones. Depressedacnemess 6 mo. Cauley, J. Side effects that are less prevalent include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rash (3). I will keep you apprised with an update. Diabetes affects the way your body uses food for energy. Dim lights can also trigger migraine headaches for people who suffer from them. But I think if you take DIM all days it can also increase your testosterone levels. Periods that are irregular. Take bioidentical or body-identical progesterone (brand names Prometrium or Utrogestan) which can relieve symptoms of both estrogen excess and estrogen deficiency. Then it began heavy with clotting, but not as bad as it usually is. One of those hormones is you guessed it estrogen. While a DIM supplement may be helpful for some women, it is not essential for everyone. Studies have shown that women in perimenopause and menopause experience a reduced health-related quality of life, as well as higher work impairment. I3C is found in cruciferous vegetables, such as: You will not get as much DIM from a vegetable as you would from a capsule. Within the liver there are two steps to estrogen metabolism known as Phase 1 and Phase 2 detox. A study published in 2014 found that the outcome of DIM interacting with hormones and genes may be good or bad, depending on the amount of hormones and DIM in the body. While subjective, on. I usually pop them like candy and they still don't really help. However, these are all side effects and not risks to your health.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'staminacomfort_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-staminacomfort_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Women who are using DIM as part of their birth control regimen should not use more than 5 mg of the supplement daily, and those who are pregnant or nursing should not use this amount at all.