As suggested, I increased my Cal D Gluarate and NAC to 2000mg. Here's an update on my last period since I increased my progesterone cream and NAC. I was so bloated. Plant-derived 3,3'-Diindolylmethane is a strong androgen antagonist in human prostate cancer cells. This is not unusual, since black urine is also seen in those who consume a lot of cruciferous veggies. However, menstrual cycles tend to shorten and become more regular as you age. . I removed many xenoestrogens and phyto estrogens from my environment hoping that would reduce my need for alot of progesterone as well as help level out my hormones. Oestrogen is metabolised in the liver by glucuronic acid, the process is known as glucuronidation. While this is not true for everyone, the root cause of PMS could be due to estrogen dominance. Headache, nausea, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea are the most prevalent adverse effects. DIM is a compound your body makes from cruciferous vegetables. The DIM compound may have several estrogen-related effects in your body: Helps prevent the effects of estrogen on cells. Current human research doesnt show DIM supplements to be toxic or have serious side effects. What Happens to Your Body During the TWW? Limited studies suggest that DIM supplements may help reduce prostate enlargement and protect against certain cancers. Oestrogen is broken down into 2 principle metabolites, 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 16-alpha hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1). Due to a lack of research in humans, little is known about the long-term safety and side effects of DIM supplements. Your doctor can decide whether you need to switch to a different drug while taking DIM. Hopefully the ithroid won't do that. Dr. Jolene Brighten, NMD, is a womens hormone expert and prominent leader in womens medicine. This starter pack is exactly what every woman needs to bring her hormones back into balance! Diindolylmethane may help the liver work more efficiently, so if youre on prescription medication that the liver is primarily responsible for breaking down, its possible that your medication may not stay in your system long enough to be effective. Some women who suffer from insomnia due to estrogen dominance, perimenopause, or menopause find that taking DIM at night helps them sleep better and longer. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. DIM may be helpful for breast health because it supports Phase 1 metabolism of estrogen in the liver, favoring 2OHE1. You take this pill every day at the same time. However, human studies are limited (1, 2). In cases of microbial dysbiosis in the gut it is possible for an enzyme known as betaglucuronidase to reactivate the metabolites created in the liver and put estrogen back into circulation. It can also help you relax after a hard day's work by reducing your anxiety levels. It is important to lose weight if you want to manage these conditions or others related to obesity. She is the best selling author of Beyond the Pill and Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth. 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 ofprogesterone therapy. Even though diming out is not recommended as a form of treatment, it cannot hurt you either. Those who suffer from gallbladder disease or pancreatitis should also avoid taking DIM supplements. 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. Symptomatic Relief From Supplements Remember that it requires you to chew well and have healthy hydrochloric acid levels present in the stomach. So if you take DIM during your period time and start BO with Vitex it helps a lot. I don't need to be shelling out the extra bucks anywaylol. If after 6 months you are still enjoying benefits, you can continue taking it for a year or more. Then it began heavy with clotting, but not as bad as it usually is. Try this once daily for three days, or . I'm wondering now if the brand I was using was possibly the problem. Test-tube and animal studies likewise suggest that DIM helps fight prostate cancer. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, women prescribed tamoxifen (a treatment for hormone-receptor positive breast cancer) were either assigned 150 mg of an oral DIM supplement or a placebo for a 12-month period. This excess water weight, which may be 5 pounds or more, makes women feel bloated. That dose did not affect sperm growth or testicular tissue. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. The third, Hello, i 25 years old and am taking 400 mg of Progesterone since 8 months and a lot of my many symptoms improved but I also didn't have a period since. To understand how DIM supports your estrogen we first have to understand how estrogen is metabolized. By helping the body maintain a more favorable estrogen profile, DIM may help mitigate the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause when the culprit is estrogen imbalance. I just turned 47 and my cycles which used to be 28 days are now creeping down to 22-25 days. Supplements may be more effective. After menopause, womens bodies make less estrogen. Dimming can help improve your overall mood if you're feeling down or stressed out. It also can inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, which may help balance these two hormones. 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. It may also help reduce the effects of a stronger form called 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone, which has been linked to weight gain and an increased risk of some cancers, including breast and uterine cancer (1, 7). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. As Ill explain in this article, DIM supports the body in producing more favorable estrogen metabolites, specifically 2-hydroxy estrogen (2OH). Take bioidentical or body-identical progesterone (brand names Prometrium or Utrogestan) which can relieve symptoms of both estrogen excess and estrogen deficiency. Unlike other bacteria that cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal illness, you don't need to come in contact with a lot of Shigella to get sick, which makes it easy to spread to others. Her work has been featured in the New York Post, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, Bustle, The Guardian, Sports Illustrated, Elle, and ABC News. Stay away from foods that contain caffeine, salt . Try diuretics. Featuring a 28 day plan to take back your cycle and dozens of charts, checklists, and diagrams to help along the way. In Phase 2 detox these metabolites are methylated and prepared for excretion via the kidneys and bowels. 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). It takes a lot of DIM to mess with your sodium on its own, but if youre taking diuretics, you might reach your limit faster. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know if youre taking DIM and any other supplement so that they can advise you about interactions. While DIM is often used to support hormone balance in premenopausal women, it also may cause hormonal disturbances. These risks will be discussed in more detail below. Simply click here to return to, Early pregnancy, estrogen dominance symptoms, Thyroidectomy & Progesterone effects on TSH, T4 and T3, Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Some of their testosterone changes into estrogen and is metabolized in the liver. Depending on your flow this could be two or three times a day. This is restrictive but I promise you'll see results pretty quickly and you'll know whether this might be an issue for you. I started reading up on DIM again and some women on this forum had similar experiences. Calcium D-glucarate helps the body safely remove excess hormones, supports detoxification, and may be protective against certain cancers. Which findings could lead to the presence of edema? The most common side effects include darkening of the urine, an increase in bowel movements, headaches, and gas (3, 8). DIM is a compound your body creates when you eat cruciferous vegetables. This is a very common condition that affects the health of women all over the world (often unknowingly). Incidentally, using pads for urinary incontinence has helped a little. Calcium d-glucarate mitigates the effect of betaglucuronidase. How? Perimenopause varies greatly from one woman to the next. To obtain the benefits of DIM contained in just two capsules per day, it is estimated that the average person would have to consume two pounds of raw cabbage family vegetables per day, an intake that might court the danger of thyroid suppression. Because DIM metabolites have an amber tint that bleeds into your urine, this occurs. One of those hormones is you guessed it estrogen. Furthermore, DIM supplements may stimulate fat breakdown and inhibit fat cell formation. your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable. DIM supplements are purported to aid other hormone-related conditions. In the pilot study I mentioned first, urine analysis showed that DIM regulated estrogen metabolism in patients. Again, let your doctor know youre taking DIM if youre on any other medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter. 4. Concentration issues Irritability and moodiness. Here's how it all goes down: You have 2 ovaries, and each one holds a bunch of eggs. If we have estrogen dominance, it will work out which hormone is less and get the body to create more of the hormone we need. As for the second question, the answer is yes, you can try diming out for yourself. The worst-case scenario is that DIM may further osteoporosis thinning bones by lowering your bodys ability to keep a healthy bone density. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this web site. Put simply, estrogen dominance refers to a situation where there is too much estrogen in the body in general or when there is too much estrogen relative to progesterone (i.e. Being overweight increases your risk of experiencing irregular periods. The dosage of bioavailable, microencapsulated DIM for males participating in a physical conditioning program should be between 150 and 400 mg per day. Symptoms of estrogen dominance can include: In some instances, estrogen can look normal in labs but the metabolites that are produced in the liver can be problematic. Thomson CA, Chow HHS, Wertheim BC, et al. Any advice? It may do so in several ways. Balance Womens Hormone Support is a comprehensive formula designed to help support a healthy hormone balance of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in women. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to reduce period bloating, which include: 3. Chasteberry and DIM are the greatest vitamins for hormone imbalance. It contains ingredients that support Phase 1 and 2 estrogen metabolism in the liver, as well as calcium d-glucarate to ensure the body is able to safely remove estrogen from the body. I also noticed my periods each month were getting less as I usually have it for 7 days and was going to 5 or 6. I stopped DIM immediately. They are responsible for producing estrogen and regulating the menstrual cycle. Can I try diming out for myself? For people weighing over 200 lbs, take 2 Diatom Rx capsules per day. I also took about 500 mgs of cal d glucarate and NAC along with several other supplements for PCOS and iron of course. As it affects estrogen levels, DIM may help treat a variety of conditions, including hormone-sensitive cancers and prostate issues. In polycystic ovarian syndrome, this is often beneficial (PCOS). The North American Menopause Society. This is also why, while beginning Baseline+, it is advised that you start with 1 capsule and gradually increase every 5 days until you reach the recommended dose. Take good care of your intestines. Your doctor will ask about your menstrual cycle because changes in your hormone levels could indicate problems other than low-income status. However, a study in 24 healthy people found that although DIM doses of up to 200 mg were well tolerated and didnt cause side effects, one person experienced nausea, headache, and vomiting after taking a 300-mg dose, suggesting that higher doses may be associated with adverse side effects (15). KEEPING IT REAL, WHILE KEEPING YOU EDUCATED. Problems can arise when there is too much estrogen circulating in our bodies or the wrong metabolites. Excessive weight also puts more stress on your heart and other organs. Her normal absorption rate of 1-milligram increases to 1.5-3 milligrams per day. This nutrient has a lot of potential hormonal health benefits for women particularly in the case of excess estrogen, which is why many people opt for the supplement. In this article, we'll dive into what . At most cases, blood or urine is tested in a doctors office or lab. DIM is used as a supplement to help with bodybuilding because it inhibits aromatase, allowing more testosterone to move freely throughout the body, benefiting the heart, bones, skin, and brain [7]. DIM may be effective at inhibiting aromatase. I wasn't sure if it was the Progesterone or if it was just a fluke. Another study shows that increased levels of 16OHE1 may lead to a greater chance of thyroid proliferative disease. Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2014 The majority of this article is information obtained from the book "All About DIM" by Michael A. Zeligs, MD and A. Scott Connelly, MD. This transitional period before menopause is known as perimenopause, and it can begin long before you enter menopause. Although research on DIM is still quite limited, its thought to help balance estrogen levels in your body (1). DIM (phytochemicals, diindolylmethane) is an indole phytonutrient found only in cruciferous vegetables. DIM supplements have not been shown to cause serious side effects, though more safety research is needed. All the same, studies link an imbalance of estrogen either too much or too little to an increased risk of weight gain in both men and women (16, 17, 18). 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. Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it? It has been demonstrated in a few clinical studies to sustain healthy estrogen levels, lessening the risk of some malignancies and disorders associated to estrogen, such as lupus. reducing . Santoro, N.. Perimenopause: From Research to Practice. But as you said, it is not necessary to keep it in my regiment either way. 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. Thanks Wray and Diane for your info and advice. Where do you start if DIM stopped working for you? Left unchallenged, estrogen is allowed to stimulate tissues and as it goes through its own peaks and troughs, it can trigger hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Some of them have shorter menstrual cycles, while others have longer periods, and a few have had their period twice in a month.. You only need a bathroom during dusk till dawn with no restrictions on eating or drinking. I am not due for my yearly and another PAP until November. Although research is ongoing, increasing the ratio of 2-hydrozyestrone to 16-hydrozyesterone may reduce breast cancer risk and cause anti-tumor effects (8). The other metabolites, 4OHE1 and 16OHE1 are associated with unfavorable growths of breast and uterine tissue, including cancer. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of diindolylmethane for breast cancer biomarker modulation in patients taking tamoxifen. I was wondering if I was still feeling the effects of the DIM. Some women who suffer from insomnia due to estrogen dominance, perimenopause, or menopause find that taking DIM at night helps them sleep better and longer. Hi Shifa! I began taking around 80 mg a day. This can help prevent headaches and other unwanted issues that can arise when using a Phase 1 nutrient alone. DIM may also have an impact on your menstrual cycle. Once in menopause a womans estrogen will decline. A 365-day pill also is available. Estrogen increases fluid retention, but progesterone decreases that additional fluid by acting as a diuretic. Copyright 2020 - 2023 Stamina Comfort Inc. What causes your period to be less frequent? Fight zits and skin damage with all-natural, organic. I stopped the DIM right after. As weve discussed, estrogen can stimulate tissues to grow, which includes the endometrium. I don't break out from being on cycle (and I've run some decently heavy cycles), although I am generally not acne prone. 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. While the exact mechanism is unknown, indole-3-carbinol is thought to be partly responsible (4, 5, 6). :))))). Chewing cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, plant enzymes release DIM into your system. 3. DIM has shown to have a number of health benefits. Taking a collagen supplement can be an easy and effective way to help support better skin. Within the liver there are two steps to estrogen metabolism known as Phase 1 and Phase 2 detox. I also am looking for and hopeful to find a functional/holistic MD in my area but there aren't many and I'm doubtful that my insurance covers it. If youre of reproductive age, estrogen is necessary to support healthy breast, bone, and endometrial tissue. DIM, as mentioned before, is thought to have the same mechanism as spironolactone. In order to see the benefits, DIM should be taken daily for at least 30 days. It can be difficult to meet the increase in iron through . When estrogen moves down the 16OHE1 pathway, mastalgia (breast pain) may result. Always talk to your doctor before adding a supplement to your diet., Denver Vein Center: DIM Supplements: What You Need to Know., Harvard Health: By the way, doctor: What does Indolplex do? Getting your vitamins and minerals through diet., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Diindolylmethane., Toxicology Letters: Diindolylmethane, a naturally occurring compound, induces CYP3A4 and MDR1 gene expression by activating human PXR.. It is also important to note that 16OHE1 metabolites could also stimulate estrogen-sensitive cancer cells, which if left unchecked, could lead to breast tumors. Pregnancy and pregnancy-associated hormones alter immune responses and disease pathogenesis. Estrogen dominance may also raise insulin levels, leading to sugar cravings to compensate for the low blood sugar that results. DIM supplements resulted in a significantly improved ratio of two types of estrogen 2-hydroxyestrone and 16-hydrozyestrone (8). After reading reviews from people, there were a couple that were post menopausal but started having periods again due to the hormonal changes from taking the DIM. . Should I take my DIM capsules with a meal? Studies on DIM have shown promise for breast health, acne, and reducing PMS. Whiteley J, Dibonaventura MD, Wagner J-S, Alvir J, Shah S. The Impact of Menopausal Symptoms on Quality of Life, Productivity, and Economic Outcomes. Your hormones underlie many basic processes in your body. I know it removes excess estrogen but is there any chance it may remove too much? Here are the 12 best collagen supplements for better skin. My period lasts from 5-8 days and 2 of those days are very heavy and clotty where I can barely leave home soaking . I just turned 47 and my cycles which used to be 28 days are now creeping down to 22-25 days. The good news is that you dont always need to rely on painkillers or the pill as the only treatment for these conditions. 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). She suggested Aygestin (synthetic progesterone) to get it back in phase or an ablation. "I would guess roughly 10% of my customers who have utilized DIM have noticed a difference in their menstrual cycle," Jardim adds. If no other issues arise, I will take it it was from the DIM. ago My question is about calcium d glucarate. I can see some light at the end of the tunnel!!! When you eat cruciferous vegetables, your stomach acid breaks down a compound called indole-3-carbinol to produce a new compound called DIM (3). Read Guide to using progesterone for women's health. With type 2 diabetes, too much insulin is required by the body for blood sugar control. If budget is an issue right now, I'd recommend starting with a Sulforaphane supplement (Brocco Power).Then, if your symptoms don't subside, I'd recommend adding back the DIM and also Calcium D-Glucarate.. That said, if you purchase all three of these supplements together as the Estrogen Reset Kit, rather than individually .