Many fertility issues are the result of having estrogen dominance in the body. There are many ways for the body to become estrogen dominant, including:
- The environment
- Eating non-organic meat
- Stress
- Processed soy foods
- Chemicals in products
The good news is that there is now a natural way to rid the body of an overabundance of estrogen: a supplement called DIM.
What is DIM?
Scientist knew there were powerful nutrients in crucifers like broccoli, cauliflower, kale and rutabaga, but until they began to isolate the various phytonutrients, they didn’t realize just how important they were. One of the plant nutrients discovered was DIM, which stands for diindolylmethane. It comes from the plant chemical I3C short for indole-3-carbinol.
To get just 10-30 mg of DIM you would have to eat one-and-a-half pounds of cruciferous vegetables!
Diindolylmethane releases in the stomach after you chew and swallow the vegetables. It balances the hormones and aids in the breakdown of estrogen. Estrogen dominance is a major cause of the fertility issues women face today. Endometriosis, PCOS, and Ovarian Cysts, are all estrogen dominant conditions.
Michael A. Zeligs, MD shares of DIM research out of the University of California, Berkeley, showing that “absorbable DIM specifically directs metabolism to produce much higher levels of the 2-hydroxy “Good Estrogens” and a second clinical trial [out of New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York] confirms this activity in individuals concerned with thyroid health. Encouraging this favorable hormone metabolism produces remarkable results in the body, and invigorates the process of weight loss as well [in the journal Endocrinology].”
DIM also helps men. Both men and women’s bodies can experience estrogen dominance. Men’s estrogen increases with age and is subject to the same estrogen balance problems a female body may face, including improper metabolism of estrogen.
Women having troubles becoming pregnant may benefit from the hormone balancing actions of DIM.
Signs of Estrogen Dominance:
- PMS
- Cramps
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Ovarian cysts
- Recurrent miscarriage
- PCOS
- Lack of ovulation
What is Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen and progesterone work in unison for the body’s benefit. As people age, their hormone levels reduce, particularly for women during the perimenopause stage and beyond. The levels of progesterone decrease faster than estrogen. This decrease may create an imbalance in hormone levels.
Younger women can also suffer from hormone imbalance. During a normal menstrual cycle, when the egg releases at ovulation, the empty follicle changes to the corpus luteum, which is the place that produces progesterone. If something goes wrong, it may not produce enough progesterone. When you consider that progesterone is necessary for womb maintenance, you will realize the potential harm that a reduction in progesterone might have on the developing fetus or fertility.
Many factors contribute to the development of estrogen dominance. Obesity is one of the factors. The ovaries produce androstenedione, which is a male hormone. Fat cells change those hormones to estrogen. Pesticides, estrogen in animal food supplies, stress and high intake of caffeine also are factors attributed to estrogen dominance.
Studies now link infertility to estrogen dominance by disrupting the process of ovulation and in some cases lowering a man’s sperm count or causing poor sperm health. Estrogen dominance plays a key role in the development and proliferation of endometriosis, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, which are all issues that can dramatically affect fertility.
Do You Have Estrogen Dominance?
Symptoms of estrogen dominance: |
How to Use DIM to Reduce Excess Estrogen
DIM is found in vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, but in order to get just 10-30 mg of DIM you would have to eat one-and-a-half pounds of these cruciferous vegetables! While that amount is better than none, it is not the therapeutic dosage. Most experts recommend taking 100 to 200 mg of DIM a day.
Click here to learn more about Fertilica™ DIM Complete
- Auborn, Karen J., Saijun, Fan, Rosen, Eliot M., Goodwin Leslie, Chandrasekaran, Alamelu, Williams,David E., Dazhi, Chen, Carter, Timothy H. (2003). Indole3carbinol is a negative regulator of estrogen. The Journal of Nutrition; vol. 133, no 7, SUP (109 p.) (27 ref.), pp. 2470S2475S Retrieved from: https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/133/7/2470S/4688465
- Zeligs, M. A. (1998). Diet and Estrogen Status: The Cruciferous Connection. Journal of Medicinal Food, 1(2), 67-82. doi:10.1089/jmf.1998.1.67 Retrieved from: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.1998.1.67
- McDougal, Andrew. (3/ 2001). Methyl substituted diindolylmethanes as inhibitors of estrogeninducedgrowth of T47D cells and mammary tumors in rats. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment; Volume 66,Number 2. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023%2FA%3A1010608000074
- Eleuterio, J., et. al. (2001). Estrogen and progesterone receptors in peritoneal fluid cell sediment in pelvic endometriosis: immunocytochemical study. Rev. Bras. Ginecol. Obstet. Vol.23, n.2. Retrieved from: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_abstract&pid=S0100-72032001000200004&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en
- Zeligs, M. (20 June 2011). Diindolylmethane (DIM): Microencapsulated Phytonutrient Supports Hormone Metabolism and Weight Loss. Retrieved from http://www.medford.co.za/a196/Diindolylmethane%20(DIM)%20Microencapsulated%20Phytonutrient%20Supports%20Hormone%20Metabolism%20and%20Weight%20Loss%20.aspx
Hello, How many pills of DIM it is recomended daily? Because in the information on the link page about Fertilica DIM says take 1 – 4 capsules daily with meals and in the bottle suggested use says take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times with meals.
Dear Alma,
The therapeutic dose of DIM that most experts recommend is 100 to 200 mg each day. One capsules of Fertilica DIM Complete is 100mg.
Hello, I am returning with a question. I have now been taking DIM for a year, 100 mg a day. I have noticed improvements in things I did not start taking DIM for like longer periods, stronger libido, menstrual cramps for fewer days, and overall better vaginal health and feeling. Yay! However, I began taking DIM for acne and have not seen the improvement I expected in that area. Should I try moving up to 200mg? And if so, should I take it at once or twice in a day? A bit of info, I am 110 lbs, 5′ 4″ and vegetarian. My acne is closely tied to my menstrual cycle (especially ovulation), cystic, and around the jaw and chin like they say hormonal acne is. Thank you for your feedback!
Hello again!
What great changes you’ve seen! If DIM hasn’t helped with the acne so far, I don’t know that more will be more effective. Perhaps liver support may be an additional area of focus, or the tips in our guide 6 Ways to Promote Hormonal Balance to Prevent Cyclic Acne will be helpful.
Is endometriosis always a case of estrogen dominance? My levels are always in the “normal range” – what are normal levels of estrogen&progesterone? If I have severe endo, TTC, would taking DIM be negative? I tried it for a few days and my cycle went all over the place which freaked me out and I stopped, I’m 44 and don’t have time to screw up my cycles. Having said that recently my cycles have gotten shorter and are 25-6 days and I appear to ovulate day12. Would you still recommend DIM in this case? Is it possible that I don’t produce too much estrogen at all just that my body isn’t metabolising it properly and its really a liver issue? Afraid to lower it if not the actual problem.
Dear Rachelle,
Endometriosis is linked to excess inflammation, excess hormones and an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone, as well as imbalanced immune responses and maybe even genetics. The hard parts are that no expert has one cause and each woman experiences it so differently.
I’d like to guide you to the answer of Q1 in this Fertility Q&A: The Impact of Endometriosis on Estrogen Levels and Egg Quality.
A 25-26 day cycle, ovulation day 12 is good and leaves a 13-14 day luteal phase which is though to be healthy.
Taking DIM is not known to be negative. DIM influences liver metabolism of excess exogenous estrogens – harmful estrogens from the food we eat, products we use, environment, often called xenoestrogens. It is a nutrient isolate known to help the body metabolize these estrogens that contribute to/can cause hormonal imbalance. When this happens there can be a temporary shift in the cycle as the body’s endogenous hormones work to make their way to hormone receptor sites. Shifts are seen as good signs, although I understand they can be alarming. DIM does not cause the body to metabolize the endogenous estrogen it needs.
Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the cycle, estrogen being higher in the follicular phase and progesterone in the luteal phase. If conception does not happen, there can be a few days as one cycle ends and another prepares to begin where both estrogen and progesterone are low.
In the luteal phase, a general amount for:
Progesterone (P or Pg): 11 – 29 ng/mL
Estradiol (E2): 19 – 160 pg/mL
Each doctor may have slightly varying scales, and the calculation of progesterone to estrogen ratio, also known as Pg/E2 or P/E2 ratio, is best left to the healthcare provider. A progesterone/estradiol ratio between 100 and 500 is thought to be adequate or best for healthy women.
I hope this is all helpful!
Hello, is there a limit on how much time a person should take DIM for? I’ve been taking it for 8 months now and I think I am just starting to see results for my acne (which prompted me to take it). Is it normal for it to take this long to work? Or is the clear up possibly a coincidence or something else (like using topical antibiotics!)? Another pleasant surprise, I’m having fewer days of period cramps, no sore breasts, and random chin hairs that were appearing have stopped! But yes, my question is if there is a time limit on use?
Dear SMT,
There isn’t a limit, although we generally suggest trying something for a minimum of 3 months, up to one year before considering weaning off to see how the body maintains balance on it’s own. The hope is that all the dietary and lifestyle changes you’ve made in that year are now habit and will help the body maintain balance without extra supplemental support (beyond foundational nutrients like a multivitamin, omegas and other vitamins).
It can take many months for the body to balance. Each case is different. If you used topical antibiotics, this is likely to be part of why the acne has cleared.
I am glad you have seen such positive changes!
I have taken DIM and it gave me some severe diarrhea and fatigue for a full 24 hours. I stopped it and tried again another two times just to make sure it was this actual pill and sure enough, I have the same reaction. Is this a possible side effect for some? And what other supplements are there that might have similar benefits that DIM has?
Dear Heidi,
There are other DIM supplements that may have slightly different ingredients or concentrations, or you could try taking a lower dose. It sure seems DIM is the culprit though and it’s okay not to try it again. While there isn’t anything quite like DIM, although one can eat many cruciferous vegetables for a small amount (not a therapeutic dose however), Hethir shares many other tips in her Video: How to Reduce Excess Estrogen or Increase Low Estrogen Naturally as well.
I hope this is helpful!
I have adenomyosis and have had two miscarriages from IVF, I am 40 and have not given up hope of pregnancy. I am so grateful for all the information on your site, no one has made me understand so much as you.
I am taking pre-conception vitamins, evening primrose 1000mg and royal jelly, but I have a feeling the adenomyosis has a big impact on my hormones, no doctors have given any real answers or helped, I am now trying to help myself, could I take DIM?
Dear Emma,
DIM can be combined with a prenatal multivitamin, Evening Primrose and Royal Jelly. I would also encourage reading our guide Adenomyosis: Causes, Risks, & Natural Healing Options for additional tips and information. There are natural healing options.
Take care!
DIM has helped my cystic acne so much and after 4 years of trying, I got pregnant after only taking it for the last 3 months! It made my periods more regular and clearly helped my erratic hormones. I’m wondering if I can continue to take it while pregnant, as I fear that if I stop, my hormones will go crazy again and I’ll have a miscarriage. Since I wasn’t ever able to get pregnant before, this obviously helped and I’m scared my acne will come back and I won’t be able to carry a baby if I stop. I also know if I tell my dr she’ll have no idea what I’m talking about and since there’s not a ton of evidence she’ll tell me to stop. I want to keep taking it, is that safe?
Dear Kamila,
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
The body is amazing and most of the time does exactly what it needs to stay balanced in pregnancy, even when natural therapies are used to help achieve pregnancy. It is my understanding that the safety of DIM in pregnancy has not been well established. We can not suggest continuing it in pregnancy. You might choose to work one on one with a natural health practitioner (herbalist, naturopath or midwife) who can support and monitor you, but I can’t know if they will approve of its use either. If you have a history of miscarriage, it would be very important to reach out to a practitioner to work with one on one.
Is it ok to continue taking DIM (have been on for 4 months already) now that my Dr. has prescribed progesterone (taking both oral + suppository) and estrogen Rx? And to ask in advance of starting Clomid or Letrozole, is it ok to take with those as well? Thank you!
Dear Jamie,
You will want to confirm this with your doctor. He/she needs to know all that you are taking and be willing to guide and monitor you.
Hi
I am trying to get pregnant, and started taking Dim.. I am also using progesterone cream to help my luteal phase (I have spotting a few days before my period starts) and Fertiassist to help with fertility. yes DIM have an adverse reaction with other supplements?
Dear Kelly,
DIM is not known to react negatively with other nutritional supplements or herbs.
How long does DIM take effect on the body? I really need something that will take immediate effect?
Dear Christina,
I can not know this. Each woman who takes it is so different. Metabolizing excess estrogen and hormonal balance are not things the body can do immediately even with the help of natural therapies. Balance takes time!
How one should take DIM (e.g only during certain CDs, follicular and/or lutheal phase, in the morning or evening, after or before meals, etc) and ho w much daily?
Dear Sofia,
It is best to follow the suggested use of the manufacturer chosen, but DIM can be taken all cycle long without taking a break and is best taken with meals.
im useing a body mosturizer and my breast area is growing the more i use it the more my breasts are growing
If this is not the desired result, then perhaps it’s time to stop using that body moisturizer.
Is Saw Palmetto a good supplement to take when you have estrogen dominance?
Along with maca and the other supplements mentioned here (DIM, Fibro defense)?
Hello Amy!
Saw Palmetto combined well with Maca and can be taken with DIM, FibroDefense and many other herbs. Saw Palmetto is strengthening for the body tissues, aiding in proper formation and function of the uterine cells which is often needed for uterine health for some women with estrogen dominance. Saw Palmetto does not have a direct action on estrogen.
Hello,
I have been diagnosed with endometriosis and fibroids. I used to get very bad PMS symptoms every month and have a very short and light cycle when it starts.( Nauseous feeling approaching my cycle and changes in bowel movements). I’ve been taking vitex, multi-vitamins, iron ( tested for very low iron), vitamin D3 ( tested very low ), fish oil and have seen a significant change. However, I’ve been taking DIM since 3/9/2018 and my cycle was suppose to start on 3/21/2018. I have NEVER been late on my cycle since 9yrs old. We have been trying to conceive for the last 4 years and never been late or missed a period. Is this due to DIM? Should I stop taking it?
Thank you!
Dear Adecia,
First, because you shared you have been trying to conceive and your period is late, it would be best to test for pregnancy.
If you are not pregnant, theoretically the DIM could be at play. I have not seem DIM stop a period, but what be happening is the increased efficiency of excess estrogen metabolism causing temporary cycle shifts. While a cycle shift is alarming, I know, it is actually a good sign the the body is using the DIM. If you feel you need DIM’s benefits, it may be best to continue for a minimum of three cycles while working to stay hydrated, exercise regularly and consider gentle abdominal massage. If you learn you are pregnant, it is best stopped.
Thank you very much Elizabeth for you response. I took a pregnancy test and it was POSITIVE for the first time. I’m a little worried because I’m not sure if it was the DIM added and I’m scared to completely stop. I’ve never been pregnant before
Dear Adecia,
Congratulations! What exciting news!
Stopping DIM is not known to cause changes in pregnancy. It is best stopped upon first determination of pregnancy, unless your healthcare provider or midwife suggests otherwise.
Again, congratulations!
Thank you again Elizabeth, unfortunately the pregnancy ended in April. I am still taking DIM and vitex regularly and keeping my fingers crossed that everything will work in the future
I’m so very sorry Adecia!
I’ve been trying to get pregnant for many months and bloodwork shows I have adrenal fatigue (super low cortisol levels) so my naturopathic put me on DHEA. Would there be any issue taking DIM with the DHEA?
Dear Brandi,
You will want to ask your naturopath about combining the two. There may not be concern, yet he/she should approve given DHEA is actually a hormone.
Hi, I’m 34, have PCOS from the beginning of my periods, never have been pregnant. I was on a a Birth control for ~8 years, from my 23 to 31, then I quit that to watch my natural periods and to prepare to the pregnancy. During the transition period I helped my body with natural remedies and therapy (like Ayurvedic treatments, herbal medicines etc.), and my cycles became more less regular with 31-34d, but with PCOS symptoms – the one growing ovarian cyst and many smaller ones. During the past 2 years the cyst has grown from 41×37 to 67×34, and my gyn insists on surgery or taking OCP. I don’t want to do anything of that and looking for some natural solution. Could you recommend DIM in my case?
Dear Lena,
DIM is indeed worth learning more about and we share this and much more in our guide How to Reduce the Damaging Effects of PCOS on Fertility Through Diet and Herbs.
I hope you find that extensive guide helpful!
I’m 53 years old and have had irregular heavy periods. I have fibroid tumors and recently had a hystroscopy for the removal of a polyp and also had a D&C done at the same time. Pathology report came back as Complex Endrometrial Hyperplasia without Atypia. Current physician suggest the use of a Mirena IUD as she said I am an estrogen carrier and the IUD will disperse progesterone as needed. I really don’t want an IUD at my age. Do you think it would be better for me to try DIM?
Dear Gail,
It is common to have cycle shifts at age 53 and for many the accompanying issues you share. If you are not feeling comfortable about an IUD, talk to your doctor about DIM and using a natural progesterone cream, or work to find a practitioner who supports a more natural approach, someone near you.
I hope you find a solution that feels right and provides you relief and balance!
Hello,
I began supplementing DIM a month ago to help my cystic acne. I have PCOS with regular anovulatory cycles (30-31 days), severe acne and hirsutism. Within the 30 days of DIM, I’ve noticed an amazing reduction in my acne; which I’m beyond thrilled about as nothing else has worked for me. However, I had some mid-cycle cramping and minor spotting, pain and swelling in my breasts and an 8lb. weight gain. I’m 5ft 6in and normally between 120-125lbs. I’m also not sleeping well at night; waking up at 3am every night. I’m not on BC or any other supplements. Are these normal reactions to the DIM or should I discontinue use? Thank you.
Dear Melinda,
What I speculate is that rather than this being a reaction to DIM, it is more likely hormonal shifts and the body working to balance hormones because excess estrogen is being metabolized. Mid-cycle cramping and spotting could have been ovulation. I know many women who sleep poorly and transition through the luteal phase with some pain and breast swelling (PMS).
What else are you doing to support hormonal balance? Have you learned about How to Reduce the Damaging Effects of PCOS on Fertility Through Diet and Herbs? I would suggest the other tips in that guide too and following a holistic program.
It may be worth also cutting back a bit on DIM to see how that changes things as you incorporate more natural therapies. If what you are experiencing to not shift as your cycle ends and a new one begins or subside as you begin other natural therapies, it would be my best advice to reach out to a practitioner near you who can support you; an herbalist, naturopath, etc.
I hope these are simply signs that work to balance is being done!
I am researching DIM for my 19 yr old daughter. She is on Birth control because when she started her period at 15 she bled non stop heavy for three months straight. she was put on a progesterone pill for 10 days and when stopped it started bleeding again, did another 10 days bleeding stopped and once start bleeding. The gyn put her on regular birth control and for three month she was normal, but bad cramps and heavy bleeding during period. The gyn then said to just take the bc pills none stop and skip periods. that really has screwed her up. She has been tested for hormone levels and she is low on progesterone. I am wondering if DIM would help her. she has bad acne flares, hair loss
Dear Lisa,
I’m sorry to hear this! My wish is that every girl’s transition to being a woman was easy, not challenging!
With that, it may be best actually to work with a naturopath near you if you wish for a more natural approach to hormonal balance for her.
Some tips though to try to reduce period pain/PMS: avoid consuming processed foods, dairy and refined sugar the week before a period (soda, candy, baked goods, white rice, pasta). Learn about the benefits of a whole food multivitamin and quality omega supplement like Evening Primrose Oil and Cod Liver Oil. Have her include cruciferous veggies in her diet and lots of fiber (whole vegetables and fruits). Iron may be key for her too if she is feeling sluggish, tired, low energy. She could consider smoothies with superfoods like a greens powder, avocado, Royal Jelly. It’s also important to exercise daily and try to move in order to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).
When all those areas are addressed and being worked on, DIM has the potential to help the body properly process/metabolize excess estrogen. It may be worth learning about the herb Vitex as well (although we can’t suggest either with birth control unless her healthcare provider okays it).
I would agree that birth control non-stop at age 19 is not the answer, but I can also image how troublesome such bleeding is for her. I hope you find a practitioner who will help you get to the bottom of this and create a program for her that boosts her health rather than tricks the body into action.
Hi,
I recently came off my birth control pill and I’ve experience a rapid weight gain with the most stubborn fat ever! lol not as easy to lose as it used to be while on the pill. I’ve also experience breakouts all over my face, chest and back. I’m trying to get pregnant, not as easier as i thought as well lol. Anyhow, would you recommend DIM for someone in my situation?
Dear Alliyah,
I’m sorry this is happening! While DIM is worth learning more about, I truly suggest starting here: How to Balance Your Hormones After Birth Control. Trust your body will return to balance and that guide will help you learn how to do that if you wish for a natural approach to balance.
I have PCOS and experience many of the above symptoms. Is it safe to take DIM while on birth control?
Dear Sally,
We can not suggest combining DIM with birth control.
With PCOS diet is key. So, the diet and lifestyle tips for PCOS may be worth learning more about. They can be followed while taking birth control.
Thank you for this article. I just discovered this website and am learning so much. I have been TTC for over a year now. I am fit, have a healthy BMI, exercise, eat a very low processed, nutrient dense diet, meditate, etc. Despite this, I struggle with acne, horrible PMS, endometriosis, and cramps. No doctor has ever suggested estrogen dominance, but it sounds just like me. I am excited to try DIM + vitex and see what happens. Thank you for all the resources and content. I’d much rather try a more natural route first.
You are very welcome Julie! It’d be great to hear how things go for you!