Can we take a guess? You’re reading this because you’re secretly hoping the answer is YES – that DIM supplements really might help with your symptoms! Are we right?
Relax! This article will fill you in on all things DIM, including:
- What is DIM and how does it work?
- Why take DIM anyway?
- Can I take DIM for menopause symptoms?
- Can I take DIM supplement to lose weight?
- Can DIM affect my period?
- Is DIM safe to take?
- Am I a good candidate for DIM supplements for menopause symptoms?
What is DIM and How Does it Work?
DIM (diindolylmethane) is a compound formed from the breakdown of indole-3-carbinol. It’s a phytochemical occurring in all dark green, cruciferous vegetables such as
- broccoli,
- cauliflower,
- cabbage, and
- kale.
The way DIM supports hormone balance is by
- encouraging the production of “good” estrogen and
- reducing the production of ‘bad’ estrogens.
These potent, proliferative, and inflammatory estrogens – i.e. 16-OH and 4-OH estrogens – can exert up to 10x the level of estrogenic influence as the ‘good’ 2-OH estrogens. Makes your (possibly) un-favorite veggies seem suddenly inviting!
But there’s a problem with that…
Why DIM is a Better Way!
If you can get your DIM dose from eating cruciferous vegetables, why take DIM supplements anyway?
The problem is the quantity and side-effects! Eating vegetables is important for a healthy lifestyle, but eating giant portions of broccoli or cabbage can have adverse effects. How? These amazing veggies also contain goitrogenic compounds that can affect your thyroid function!
So – to avoid creating new problems, it’s better to take DIM supplements to increase your DIM intake and support healthy estrogen levels.
So – Can I Take DIM for Menopause Symptoms?
Yes, of course! A DIM supplement for women makes complete sense. During (peri)menopause, estrogen levels drop and this leads to:
- Weight gain
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Slow metabolism
- Loss of libido
- Sleep problems
DIM supplements are therefore a great way to regulate estrogen levels and offer some relief!
By supporting healthy estrogen metabolism – encouraging the production of good estrogen and discouraging the production of bad estrogen – your body improves and maintains its estrogen balance. This, in turn, can help steady any fluctuating menopause symptoms.
(By the way, if a man in your life wants to know about DIM for men, send them here!)
Can I Take DIM Supplement to Lose Menopause Weight Gain?
Sounds like you’ve heard of the amazing benefits of DIM supplements and wonder if you can take a DIM supplement to tackle your unwanted menopause weight gain!
But why did you gain weight?
During menopause, your body holds onto estrogen and stores it in fat. Without getting too complicated here, your body starts to store fat cells in adipose tissue in your abdominal cavity. You’ve noticed it in the mirror; you’re not happy about it!
The good news is this. The way DIM regulates estrogens also has an impact on how your body stores and distributes fats.
Bad estrogens signal your body to hold onto weight, especially in the hips and thighs. But elements in DIM can suppress adipogenesis (the making of new fat cells) and stimulate fat burning. What’s not to like?
Can DIM Affect My Period?
This is a tricky one to answer.
As you know, your period is highly influenced by estrogen levels. If you’re in perimenopause – transitioning towards menopause – you’re still menstruating, even if somewhat irregularly from time to time.
So, yes, if you’re also taking DIM supplements, which affect estrogen levels, they do have the potential to interfere with your period.
However, there’s no clear answer. The jury’s out on exactly how your cycle might be thrown off. And chasing possible answers online leads you to a confusion of different opinions!
Our best advice, therefore, is to discuss this frankly with your healthcare provider. Your body and your medical history are unique. Nobody can answer your questions about DIM better than your doctor!
Is DIM Safe to Take?
Several research studies have been conducted in the past years to test not only the efficacy but also the safety of DIM. Always good news! You don’t want to add problems to your menopause symptoms.
For example, here are two research samples.
In 2011, researchers from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI, recorded the cancer-fighting benefits of DIM, as well as its safety for humans.
In addition, a study from 2015 looked at how DIM can be an effective ingredient in the prevention and treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) – and yes, we know it’s a mouthful! CIN is the abnormal cell growth in the cervix that can potentially lead to cervical cancer. The use of DIM was found to be safe and not accompanied by any clinically significant side effects.
However, although DIM supplements are generally safe to take, there are some side effects that you should be aware of, such as:
- Darkening of urine
- Increased bowel movements
- Headaches
- Gas/bloating
- Diarrhea
Am I a Good Candidate for DIM Supplements for Menopause Symptoms?
If you’re looking for relief from menopause symptoms, DIM supplements can be a good thing to consider. But you still need to exercise care.
So be sure to discuss DIM with your healthcare practitioner. This is especially important if you’re
- already undergoing hormone therapies,
- suffering from hormone-related cancers, or
- taking medication that could potentially interact with DIM.
In fact, this makes sense whatever supplement you’re considering! Your body is a complex organism and you need to consider what’s best for you!
Let Us Help You With Advice on DIM!
There’s no need to be overwhelmed by the amount of information out there! Our Denver Vein team and the team at sister clinic Evexias Medical Denver both have comprehensive knowledge about DIM supplements – we’re always fielding questions about this popular topic when people come to us about their veins!
So let’s talk about how DIM can help improve your menopause symptoms. Contact us today to discuss what’s best for you.