Estrogen imbalance is a major contributor to perimenopause, premenstrual syndrome, fibromyalgia, uterine fibroid tumors, fibrocystic breasts, thyroid imbalances, endometriosis, and unhealthy prostate glands. In fact, changing estrogen levels are relevant both to women and men.
What exactly does DIM do?
DIM is a naturally occurring phytonutrient that is found in cruciferous vegetables. DIM stimulates more efficient estrogen metabolism. Supplementing the diet with DIM and eating cruciferous vegetables increases the specific aerobic metabolism for estrogen, multiplying the chance for estrogen to be broken down into its beneficial or “good” estrogen metabolites. These “good” estrogen metabolites are known as the 2-hydroxy estrogens. Many of the benefits that are attributed to estrogen, which include its ability to protect the heart and brain with its antioxidant activity, are now known to come from these “good” metabolites.
When DIM increases the “good” estrogen metabolites, there is a simultaneous reduction in the levels of undesirable or “bad” estrogen metabolites. These include the 16-hydroxy estrogens, which are not antioxidants and may actually cause cancer.
Greater production of these “bad” estrogen metabolites is promoted by obesity and exposure to a number of man-made environmental chemicals (xenoestrogens). These “bad” estrogen metabolites are responsible for many of estrogen’s undesirable actions in women and men, including further unwanted weight gain, breast and uterine cancer.
In addition, a slow metabolism of estrogen, which leaves too much unmetabolized active estrogen known as estradiol in the body, can also be a problem. Elevated estradiol can cause moodiness and breast pain in women and loss of sex drive in men.
By promoting a healthy estrogen metabolism, DIM adjusts the balance of estradiol to its “good” metabolites. This also can result in a more desirable action from testosterone. Testosterone supports energy and mood and helps sustain interest in sex in both men and women. When supplemental DIM is taken along with a program of regular exercise, it can help estrogen and testosterone contribute to good physical conditioning.
When you chew raw or lightly cooked cruciferous vegetables, plant enzymes are activated, which allows DIM to enter your body. But to get the most benefit from food, you would need to consume very large quantities of these vegetables each day. To overcome this problem, absorbable forms of pure DIM have been developed as dietary supplements that use special absorption-enhancing formulas.
Who would use this product?
Usage of DIM is indicated for both men and women with a predisposition to hormone reactive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, and for those who suffer from symptoms of estrogen imbalance.