DIM for Estrogen Dominance

by Vorst Canada November 09, 2021

dim estrogen dominance

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Estrogen dominance is a growing concern nowadays, leading to hormonal imbalances that may cause various underlying health conditions in both men and women. Fortunately, certain dietary supplements such as DIM (Di-indolyl-methane) can help combat and reverse estrogen dominance naturally.

In this article, we’ll learn everything related to the role of DIM for estrogen dominance treatment, how it works, and many more. But before we get started with the impacts of DIM on estrogen dominance, it’s worth knowing exactly what estrogen dominance is. let’s get started.

Table of contents

What is estrogen dominance?
What causes estrogen dominance?
Symptoms of estrogen dominance
What is DIM?
How DIM helps combat estrogen dominance
How to use DIM
Precautions and side effects
Final words
Disclaimer

What is estrogen dominance?

Estrogen dominance is typically a health condition in which estrogen levels are too high specifically when compared to the ratio of estrogen to progesterone.

There’re mainly 2 ways how an estrogen dominance may show up –

Estrogen levels are usual, but progesterone levels are low – as a result, estrogen is dominant in comparison to progesterone. This condition might be associated with PCOS, anovulatory cycle, inflammation, stress, or pre-menopause. Since birth control pills prevent ovulation, they are often an important contributor.

Progesterone levels are usual, but estrogen levels are too high – major causes include excess body fat, poor digestion, environmental toxins, microbiome imbalances, and impaired liver detoxification.

What causes estrogen dominance?

With the increasing scenario of environmental toxins nowadays, our bodies are overloaded by environmental estrogens. From birth control pills to conventionally raised meat to hormone replacement, our exposures to high levels of estrogen ingredients have been increased significantly. Besides, certain factors like stress, obesity, and Candida albicans may also contribute to estrogen dominance.

A specific set of toxins known as xenoestrogens contain chemical compounds that can mimic natural estrogen. These include parabens in detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, BPA-containing plastic, and a range of other chemical products. The more you can reduce your exposure to these chemical products the better.

Certain natural phytoestrogens can also mimic our own estrogen and may cause estrogen dominance. Herbs and foods that are rich in high levels of phytoestrogens may include soy, caffeine, coumestans, lignans, and isoflavonoids.

Symptoms of estrogen dominance

Estrogen dominance may occur in both men as well as women of all age groups. Symptoms may include -

Hair loss and baldness
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Prostate cancer
Breast and uterine tumor
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Fatigue
Magnesium deficiency
Infertility
Osteoporosis
Sleep issues such as insomnia
Anxiety and panic attacks
Allergies
Depression
Irritability
Acne
Hypoglycemia
Changes in brain function

What is DIM?

DIM refers to di-indolyl-methane. It comes from I3C or indole-3-carbinol, which is a natural compound typically found in cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, collards, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. When these green leafy vegetables reach the stomach, stomach acid breaks down indole-3-carbinol and then DIM is released as a byproduct.

How DIM helps combat estrogen dominance

DIM is best known as a natural supplement that promotes healthy estrogen metabolism. While some lifestyle changes are essential for reducing exposure to environmental estrogens, DIM can play a vital role to accelerate the process of disposing of excess estrogen in the body and reversing estrogen dominance.

Indeed, DIM helps break down and metabolize estrogen in the body. Most of the issues associated with estrogen dominance are linked to the 16 hydroxy metabolites. Those who have estrogen dominance are believed to have too much of the 16 hydroxy metabolites of estrogen and too little 2 hydroxy. Remember, 16 hydroxy is bad and 2-hydroxy is good.

Though DIM can be obtained through digesting cruciferous vegetables, the amount of DIM you gain isn’t going to be enough for an estrogen dominance condition. As per studies, to achieve a therapeutic dose of DIM, you’d need to consume around 6 pounds of these vegetables.

That’s why DIM supplements come in. the effects of DIM are significant and quite noticeable to someone supplementing with an adequate amount of dosage.

Supplementing with DIM helps the synthesis of estrogen metabolites away from harmful 16-hydroxy in favor of helpful 2-hydroxy metabolites. Taking DIM as an absorbable supplementary formulation improves the active and healthy metabolism of estrogen. DIM supports balancing estrogen levels by inhibiting the unwanted 16-hydroxy metabolites and increasing helpful 2-hydroxy estrogen.

How to use DIM

Though personalized doses may vary from one person to another depending on personal estrogen levels and the underlying root contributors, in most common cases suggested doses range from 100 mg to 200 mg per day for women and 200 mg to 400 mg per day for men. A complete hormone profile is done to determine the ideal dose of DIM supplementation.

It’s strongly recommended to consult with your healthcare provider prior to using any DIM supplements so that he or she can help you perform a total hormone profile and determine whether the DIM supplement is right for you or how much DIM you need to consume per day.

Precautions and side effects

Current studies don’t show any serious side effects of DIM supplements.

Most common side effects may include –

Headache
Indigestion and gas
Darkening of the urine

Less common side effects may include –

Skin rash
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Since DIM supplement impacts on hormonal levels, women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or attempting to conceive should avoid DIM. People who are on hormone therapies or taking any medications or any natural products should consult their healthcare professionals before using any DIM supplements.

It’s strongly recommended to seek the direct supervision of your healthcare provider prior to using the DIM supplement.

Final words

DIM supplementation is a safer and natural approach to achieving a balanced estrogen metabolism and controlling estrogen dominance. Besides, taking DIM as a dietary supplement has also been described to be effective in preventing several health conditions including heart diseases, brain disorders, skin issues, musculoskeletal issues, cancers, and many more.

Therefore, the DIM supplement provides some extra relief and support in estrogen dominance and other associated conditions.

Check out Vorst’s natural vegan DIM 200 mg here.

Also, check out Vorst’s natural vegan Indole – 3 – carbinol (I3C) 400 mg here.

Disclaimer – This article contains only general and educational information and cannot be considered as a medical guide.

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