As men and women age, their estrogen profiles can change.
Di-indole methane (DIM) is a phytonutrient found in some vegetables that may have a role in controlling excess estrogen levels. Estrogen is implicated in perimenopause, premenstrual syndrome and enlarged prostate. DIM may aid in the controlling estrogen by initiating similar biochemical pathways that metabolize estrogen.
Perimenopause
Excess estrogen, known as estrogen dominance, is implicated in diseases and conditions such as perimenopause. Perimenopause is indicated by a rise in estrogen versus progesterone levels. DIM may help restore the balance of estrogen to progesterone and control high levels of estrogen prior to menstruation. No negative side effects for DIM have been reported, but it is not known if it is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women to take DIM.
Enlarged Prostate
Men in their 50's and 60's experience a rise in estrogen levels as well as a decrease in testosterone levels. Estrogen tends to collect in the prostate and can contribute to an enlarged prostate. Men taking DIM for an enlarged prostate have not reported any significant side effects. DIM processed in the liver and it may not be safe for persons with liver conditions or disease to take DIM.
Estrogen Imbalance
Aging men and women can both suffer from an excess of estrogen that is metabolized incorrectly in their bodies. Estrogen that is metabolized into 16-hydroxy estrogen is shown to be a factor in different types of cancer and obesity. DIM may help prevent the metabolism of estrogen into the 16-hydroxy forms. DIM should not be taken in lieu of other medications for treating cancer and should not be considered as a cure to certain types of cancer associated with estrogen imbalances.
Drug Interactions
If you are taking a life-saving medication for HIV or cardiovascular problems, any other life saving medication, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy medication, check with your health care provider for possible drug interactions before taking DIM.
Natural Sources of DIM
Vegetables like cabbage are natural sources of DIM.
DIM is a natural component of cruciferous vegetables, which includes members of the cabbage family such as cabbage, cale, broccoli and cauliflower. However, therapeutic dosages are much higher, and use special ingredients to enhance the absorption of DIM. Very high intake of cruciferous vegetables may cause hypothyroidism by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis.
Tags: enlarged prostate, cruciferous vegetables, estrogen levels, into 16-hydroxy, levels Estrogen, rise estrogen, that metabolized
