When considering the use of any supplement or medication, you always have to consider the cost-benefit. No drug or supplement is entirely risk or side-effect free. Even drinking too much water can cause water poisoning, intoxication, or a disruption of brain function! In a recent article, we looked once again into DIM because of its many amazing benefits. Today we’ll take a more in-depth look into DIM supplement side effects so you can make the best decision about whether or not DIM would benefit you.
Overall, research has found that DIM rarely produces adverse effects when you take it in appropriate quantities. The following are some of the more usual ones.
Typically, individuals may notice some minor stomach upset with DIM supplements, but eating before taking DIM often eliminates this problem.
You may also see changes in the color of your urine or a smell when you pee, but if you drink a solid 6-8 glasses of water, this should help.
People who take DIM have also reported headache, vomiting, gas, and diarrhea. These may ease up over time or your healthcare provider can manage it. If these side effects are a problem, you can stop taking DIM, and they will cease.
However, other worthy questions have arisen around DIM supplement side effects that go beyond these commonly discussed ones. Let’s take a look at a few.
Can DIM Cause Hormone Disturbances?
The main reason that everyone gets excited about DIM is because of the effects it has on estrogen and testosterone. Providers tend to use DIM with HRT for women in peri- or post-menopause who need a boost of good estrogen. Not because it contains estrogen, but because it converts bad estrogen into good estrogen.
But the body is a complex creation that requires a sophisticated approach when we attempt to support or heal it. That’s one reason why it’s important we understand DIM supplement side effects. We do, however, have access to ever-evolving technology that has allowed researchers to consistently learn new things about how the body functions. Specifically how hormones function.
For instance, one of the most complex systems in the human body is the endocrine system. This is made up of glands that secrete hormones. There are more than 50 hormones in your body right now. Like a well-oiled team, they each have unique skills and talents that they lend to the team. If you don’t produce some of these hormones in the proper amounts, it can throw off the other hormones. Just like when a player is under the weather or has to be pulled from the game altogether, the rest of the team notices the effect, and it’s not usually in a good way.
The interaction between DIM and estrogen is likewise complex. The supplement’s side effects can seemingly pull two ways.
On the one hand, DIM may block the effect of estrogen. On the other hand, it may also enhance estrogen activity. It depends on the circumstances. And since each body is different in its makeup and health, sometimes it can be challenging to know which one will happen.
In some people, DIM also has had an anti-testosterone impact, but at the same time, bodybuilders have used it to boost testosterone levels.
So, yes, DIM can be used to support healthy hormone balance as well as cause hormonal disturbances.
Can DIM Affect Your Period?
Absolutely. As we saw earlier, DIM affects your estrogen levels. Your estrogen levels are a significant factor in when and if you are going to have your period, so DIM has the potential to affect your period.
If you’re a menstruating woman who uses DIM, you may find that you have shorter menstrual cycles, longer periods, or even get your period twice in one month. These side effects will end once you stop taking DIM, but it’s always smart to consult with your doctor if you find your cycle thrown off while taking DIM.
Can DIM Supplements Cause Miscarriage Side Effects?
Avoid taking a DIM supplement if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Unless you’re under a doctor’s orders, it’s best to let your body take care of your hormones while you’re pregnant. If you thought hormones were complicated under everyday circumstances, they get super tricky when pregnant. Hormones and hormone changes drive pregnancy. Each change that your body makes during pregnancy is to support your growing baby and body.
Does DIM Cause Hair Loss?
Studies have not indicated that DIM causes hair loss. In fact, just the opposite is true. It reduces hair loss. Interestingly enough, it can also reduce excess facial and body hair!
Will DIM Supplement Cause Weight Gain As a Side Effect?
DIM should not cause weight gain. Research has found that DIM increases lipolysis (fat burning), which suggests that DIM should not cause weight gain. It may even help you lose weight if the underlying cause of those excess pounds is estrogen-related.
Are DIM Supplements Gluten-Free?
Let’s put it this way, the DIM itself is gluten-free, but supplements are composed of many ingredients, including
- the active component,
- absorbents, protectants,
- binders,
- coloring agents,
- lubricators, and
- bulking agents.
Most of these won’t contain wheat or gluten, but they can be contaminated. If a supplement is contaminated, the contaminant is usually starch.
Therefore, if you have celiac disease, you already know that the best course of action is to contact the manufacturer to confirm that the product is gluten-free. Your doctor or pharmacist may also be able to assist you in ensuring that there’s no gluten in your DIM supplement.
Does DIM Interact With Medications?
DIM does its work in the liver, so it can affect how the liver breaks down certain medications, especially if the drug is metabolized by the liver. For example, DIM may affect the effectiveness of drugs like imipramine (Tofranil), propranolol (Inderal), and olanzapine (Zyprexa).
So what’s your take on DIM?
We’ve discussed possible DIM supplement side effects – are the benefits worth the side effects? Is DIM right for you? As you can see, it may not be so cut and dried as just grabbing a bottle of DIM off the shelf and “prescribing” it to yourself. That’s why we’re here!
Contact us for a consultation today so we can help resolve any further questions you have about DIM and your own health concerns.