I’m kinda laughing to myself as I write this post, because to most people who have never had hormonal issues or period problems, the acronyms I3C, DIM and SGS may as well be computer language or something!
But they’re not – they’re actually powerful compounds that can help support you on your quest for rockin’ hormones and amazing periods.
And, who doesn’t want that right?
In fact, if you have heavy or long periods, short menstrual cycles, pesky physical and emotional PMS symptoms like mood swings, and irritability, OR symptoms of high androgens (male sex hormones – testosterone being the most well known), like acne and redness or splotchy skin, and even weight gain then you should definitely keep reading.
So, what exactly are DIM, SGS and I3C?
Indole 3 Carbinol or I3C for short, is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflower. It breaks down into the metabolites Diindolylmethane (DIM) and Sulforaphane Glucosinolate (SGS).
I am alwayssss telling women to eat more cruciferous veggies, in particular broccoli sprouts? These compounds are a big part of the reason why 🙂
Which one should I use?
DIM is the most studied metabolite of I3C, and as such, its use has become very popular among women. SGS is less popular, but no less useful (I explain below).
There are a couple of issues I’ve found with I3C but I honestly think there needs to be some more research:
- Adequate stomach acid is required for proper breakdown of I3C into DIM, so if you have low stomach acid or are/have been on a stomach acid blocker medication, or you have Hashimoto’s, then you should supplement with DIM while you work to address your stomach acid issues. Please check out Dr. Izabella Wentz’s excellent article on low thyroid function and low stomach acid.
- While I3C has been shown to be an amazing chemo-protective agent, there is some evidence that it could also be a tumor promoter in some cases. I am cautious about it and still think further research is needed. (See studies in references below).
- There have also been reports of nausea, stomach upset, and dizziness in doses over 300mg daily, and taking it for longer than 3 months could be problematic.
So, you definitely want to do your research on IC3, talk to your functional or naturopathic doctor and decide what is best for you.
On the flip side, there have been no serious side effects reported with DIM and SGS supplementation in mammals (but long-term studies are still needed).
In comparison to I3C, DIM actually reduces the activity of an enzyme called CYP1B1, which plays a role in estrogen metabolism – increasing the production of 4-hydroxyestrone – the “bad” estrogen metabolite I mentioned above. The CYP1B1 enzyme comes from the CYP1B1 gene (not confusing at all!), so depending on your genetic variations (or mutations haha), you’ll either be a good estrogen metabolizer or a not so good estrogen metabolizer. I know, I know, we can’t have it all!
How do these compounds impact women’s hormones?
DIM
- There are two phases of liver detoxification. DIM is useful for supporting phase 1 of the liver detoxification process, whereas SGS supports phase 2 of liver detoxification. In other words, DIM supports and thus improves the process of estrogen breakdown by the liver, and increases conversion of estrogen to more favorable metabolites. You just learned about the 4-hydroxyestrone, but estrogen also breaks down into other metabolites, some “good”, some “not good”. Like I said before, DIM will encourage estrogen to break down into the good metabolites rather than the bad ones.(1)
- DIM is an aromatase inhibitor, which means it prevents the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. So taking DIM has a two-fold effect on estrogen – it will reduce the overall effect of estrogen on a woman’s body by supporting estrogen detoxification AND reduce the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
- Finally, DIM also blocks androgen receptors, which means it blocks the effects of testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (a more potent form of testosterone). Essentially, DIM helps improve and even eliminate acne by preventing potentially harmful androgens from getting into their receptors.
There is also evidence that DIM has a positive effect on breast and prostate cancers as well as cervical dysplasia. (2,3,4)
SGS
SGS is one of the most potent antioxidants and detoxifiers on the block. Broccoli sprouts in particular have been found to be robust phase II supporters, which is why SGS works so well in effectively supporting phase 2 of liver detoxification.
This phase tends to get backlogged when the levels of toxins that are being processed in phase 1 are too high for the second phase to keep up. This typically happens when a person is overexposed to alcohol, heavy metals, radiation, caffeine and pesticides.
This leads to a backlog where the byproducts of phase 1 remain in the system awaiting their turn for phase 2 detoxification. These byproducts are in a state that can cause significant harm to the body, so it’s crucial that phase 2 is working properly. That way, those harmful toxins can move seamlessly into phase 2 detoxification and they can be neutralized.
Why would I take DIM or SGS?
DIM and SGS are especially helpful for cases of estrogen dominance, which means estrogen has become dominant over its sister hormone progesterone.
You can get your hormones tested without having to wait for your doctor to order them with test kits from Lets Get Checked. Use code Hormones20 to get 20% off all tests.
I recommend DIM and SGS for women who are showing symptoms of estrogen dominance, which often include heavy or long periods (longer than 7 days), short menstrual cycles (shorter than 25 days), and emotional PMS symptoms (e.g. major mood swings, irritability, severe fatigue, uncontrollable anger, and feelings of depression).
If you suspect you’re in an estrogen dominant state, then I suggest the Progesterone Test Kit and the Female Hormone Test Kit.
In addition, I also recommend DIM for symptoms of high androgens (male sex hormones – testosterone being the most well known), the most common being acne, redness or splotchy skin.
Brands and Dosage
I recommend starting with SGS (because most people have slower phase 2 liver detoxification than phase 1), and then moving onto DIM if you don’t have the desired results after 30 days of SGS supplementation.
Typical recommended dosage for SGS is 100 mg every other day for 30 days.
The brand I recommend for SGS is Thorne Research Crucera SGS.
Typical recommended dosage for DIM is 75-150 mg a day for 30 days. I always like to err on the side of caution and suggest starting with the lowest recommended dose.
DIM is not readily absorbed by the body in its pure state, which is why you have to look for supplements that contain a microencapsulated form of DIM in them, which is the more absorbable form of DIM. The brands below are the ones I recommend.
BioResponse DIM 75 or Designs for Health DIM-Evail
I also highly recommend a B complex supplement in conjunction, because the B vitamins are really critical for supporting the detoxification of estrogen, in addition to other very important functions in the body. Check out Designs for Health B Supreme.
I should also point out the obvious – you should be eating at least 2-3 servings of cruciferous veggies a week. And, you can also add broccoli sprouts to your meals as well.
Potential results of DIM or SGS use
With my clients, I have seen significant improvement in ALL of the symptoms I described above. Some women report seeing improvement after only a few doses, whereas others need to take it for 3-4 weeks before seeing noticeable change.
Side effects of DIM and SGS, or drug interactions
DIM and SGS are considered to be generally safe, with no serious side effects reported with use. Most of the studies show negative effects only in very high doses. Also, there is no real evidence on the long-term effects of these supplements which is why I only recommend it be taken for 30 days. Consult your healthcare practitioner before taking either of them for longer than 30 days.
I would say about 10% of my clients who have used DIM see a change in their menstrual cycle – some of them have developed shorter menstrual cycles, others developed longer periods, and a few got their period twice in one month. Not ideal, so I suggest stopping DIM if something like this happens.
I noticed that SGS gave me loose bowels. A few other clients reported this along with minor GI discomfort to me after about two weeks of use. I suggest taking the dosage every two days instead of every other day to see if this improves the GI issues that come up.
Thyroid health concerns
A lot of women ask if these supplements are safe to take if you have thyroid problems, because certain compounds in cruciferous veggies known as goitrogens can have a negative effect on thyroid function. DIM and SGS are other compounds found in cruciferous veggies. The supplements only contain DIM and SGS, and won’t contain any other compound found in these foods.
If you’re unsure about the health of your thyroid, this Thyroid Test will provide a complete picture of how your thyroid is performing. Use code Hormones20 to get 20% off the test.
One should absolutely consult with their trusted healthcare provider about taking I3C, DIM and SGS if they are on any medications or other supplements, because there is always the risk of an interaction, especially with medications that are broken down by the liver.
Sources
- DIM supplementation alters estrogen urinary metabolite profiles in women in favor of the healthier metabolites – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15623462
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19062173
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26693258
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC23369/
Studies on potential issues with I3C:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2040485
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12419834
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/3-indolemethanol
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009279797001154?via%3Dihub
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5989150/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15240508
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16211236
38 thoughts on “Broccoli extracts – DIM, SGS & I3C – which one do I use?”
Hi. I’m 67 yrs old, had one round of HRT pellets and stopped due to breast pain. After it got worse, I had tests and it ends up I have PASH of the breast. Results mention “debris”, too. Anyway, I’m wondering if you are familiar with PASH? I was taking DIM w SHS+ during that time, too. Wondering if starting it again could help move that “debris” through. Not much info out there, unfortunately. Thanks.
Hello Nicole,
Can you explain why we shouldn’t take Dim for more than 30 days if
It helps with Pmdd,
Pms and ovarian cysts and menopausal symptoms?
Thanks
Do you continue taking DIM during your period, or do you stop until you’re period is finished, like birth control?
I take SGS and it helps with my second half of cycle but not my first. Bad migraines during first half. Can you take DIM and SGS? Or can you take DIM first half of cycle and SGS second half? I did see a podcast from the DUTCH makers saying you can treat phase 1 & 2 at the same time.
OMG I TRIED DIM AND IT SCREWED MY HORMONES UP. I am 39 years old and tried it for acne. I dont have heavy or long periods (5 days always) and they are usually 34 days apart. My past 3 cycles are messed up. I only took 7 pills across a 3 to 4 week time span. I had no idea it was only useful for estrogen dominance which i now see i didn’t have. To summarize the story i have copied the review i left online about the DIM. There were several reviews online with one lady saying it put her into pre menopause. I dont know how this supplement isnt controlled by prescription. I’ve been suffering for almost 3 months now when before i was completely normal.
This is one of the worst experiences ive had. I dont think its specific to this brand. It’s the DIM. Unless you do weeks of research you won’t know the risks of taking this. DO NOT USE THIS WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR. DONT DO IT. Im usually never reactive in a bad way to food or meds but i am with this. If you do try only take 75 to 100 mg a day unless you weigh more than 180 lb. I only took a total of 7 pills.
I purchased a maca root plus dim combination supplement. Started it the end of Dec 2019. The symptoms came on gradually. I first started getting gassy and needing to pass crazy smelly gas more and more. I was only taking one 200 mg pill every 3 to 4 days at this point as i wanted to work my way up. I think it definitely caused digestive sensitivity bc i ate some spicey soup early Jan and my digestive track couldn’t handle it. I had the worst flatulence for 36 hrs straight that ive ever had. My period was approaching soon after which is when things started getting wild. Back pain, boob pain, headaches, body aches in my arm pit and groin area, noticed i wasn’t going #2 daily like usual. It was like PMSx100. I dont typically have strong pms symptoms. I got my period on the predicted day and it was shorter by 1 day. The crazy symptoms all vanished during that time but then reappeared when my period was over. The week prior to my period i had been taking the pills every day for three of the days. 7 days post period I still had the rotating symptom head ache or body ache but at least the farting and digestive issue went away. By feb 7 i thought the effects would wear off bc it seemed to be dissipating. NOPE. the following week was mid cycle/ ovulation week where hormones shift/ change.
Now the head and body aches disappeared and i got this slightly dizzy off feeling. 2 of those days had moments of nausea. Its feb 17 and ive still got the dizzy plus body aches issue and occasional head ache. Im hoping by the week end when its 7 days past ovulation this will go away. Ive been to two urgent cares (in February) and got lab work done but not hormone labs which i might yet do. Ive also missed work bc of this. Def think it did some thing to my estrogen that im not tolerating. I only took the supplement to try to help hormonal acne and my skin looked clear for the time i was taking it but it wasn’t worth all the pain. Its 3 wks since i stopped taking it and the doctor said it could take a few more weeks for the hormones to normalize.
UPDATE: March 3. Its 5 wks since stopping dim. I still have the imbalanced feeling and faint body aches. I got my period 4 days late and 2 days prior the dizziness got worse with hints of nausea as well as tinnitus; my boobs hurt a lot more than usual. Im hoping that as estrogen rises i will feel better. I went to my dermatologist who never heard of dim but said that supplements are not controlled substances so you dont know what you are getting. I have an appointment with a neurologist next week but im praying this subsides by then.
UPDATE MARCH 26: i still have the crazy symptoms. My last period early march was late 4 days during which i felt awful (dizzy nauseas etc). Period was now only 2.5 days long. Felt better just after getting it but 3 days after period start felt extreme brain fog intoxicated like feeling. Over the next 1.5 wk it got better and all symptoms disappeared for one day march 12 but then slowly came back. This day was my peak estrogen point in my cycle. The neuro recommended to get hormones checked. I have elevated DHEA levels and low estrogen values. Waiting on my appt with an endocrinologist. Once again i felt a lot better at another high point of estrogen march 24 but its getting worse again.
I really hope this isnt permanent. April 20 ish will be 3 months off dim and im praying its like BC where you can take that long to balance.
UPDATE APRIL 14: my April period is 12 days late. I might be getting it soon bc the past two days my boobs have started to hurt like they usually do before my period. I also feel some cramps and feel generally crummy. OR i might not get a period this month. I have no idea when this disturbance will stop. I have an appt to get my hormones tested again tomorrow.
This is fascinating. I randomly worked out for myself that eating broccoli significantly improves my cycles BUT, eating it daily becomes hard work and I easily forget. I had dim once but that didnt do the same as broccoli, is ic3 an option?
I found something similar a few weeks ago, however you did in-depth research, and your post seems
to be much more persuasive than others. I am impressed by
the arguments you provided as well as the fashion of your post.
I enjoy when articles are both informative and interesting, when even dull details
are presented in an interactive way. Well, it’s surely on your post.
Hello! I recently took a DUTCH test & i’m unsure if I am estrogen “dominant”
https://ibb.co/S3HsHCf
My testosterone seemed high as well. Would you recommend DIM for someone like me?
Hello! I’ve been taking dim for 7 months and it did wonders for my anxiety (postpartum Ocd) over the months I thought it would stop the increasingly hair fall out as I read it helped others. I had stopped it for a week to investigate. Hair fall out stared to stop but my anxiety came back with a vengeance. I felt so uncomfortable to be around my daughter, none of my coping skills were helping. I resumed my dim again, symptoms started to diminish. But the hair started falling out again. Please, help me understand why it work for others with hair fall out and some it makes worse. I need dim in my life, but I’m afraid I’m gonna start going bald!!
Thank you
Hello,
I was wondering if i3c will help me if my cycles are long? My cycle has been running around 40 days lately, my period last about 5 days and is very heavy for about 3 of the days and was hoping that this would fix that….
I started DIM to modulate my unpredictably timed very heavy, very clotty very painful periods as well as PMDD and general estrogen dominance. It treated ALL of my undesired symptoms. I stayed on DIM longer than reccomended – almost a yr. I had CLOCKWORK periods including 1 day of ramp up bleeding, 4/5 days of painless and much smoother period & 1 day of tapering off bleeding periods and much less emotional general volitility, much fewer PMDD symptoms (very few PMS symptoms even) much fewer wakings from night sweats, orangish-reddish-tinged urine, reduced soreness & achyness upon waking. I’m sure there were other more subtle actions from the DIM but because I had SO MANY positive changes I stayed on DIM for so long. My husband decided $30 for 3 months was too expensive a cost and instead of a nice taper I was forced to stop DIM suddenly. I am having night sweats again as well as waking with a very sore back (it’s been a week since stopping.) I’m 39. I feel 65. I haven’t had a period yet and am scared of the PMDD, dibilitating cramps & needing ultra tampons to stop bleed through when the biggest I now have is by super. Oh yes, because my cervix is SUPER LOW it is not very effective for me to wear tampons & when combined with already wearing pads for urinary incontinence I’m curious how many pairs of underwear and pants I’ll leak through and how many sets of sheets I’ll bleed on.
Your husband sounds horrible. I hope you have left him.
bless. yes! first thing i thought too!
Well having been way past the age of periods, I take I3C for cervical dysplasia and Vaginal dysplasia. Since taking it I have come back negative HPV and perfectly normal PAP smears. I got kind of cheap and stopped taking the I3C and had some DIM and decided I would just take the DIM for a while and uh oh what a mistake! My moods are all over the place my anxiety went from every now and then to daily. And my appetite is out of control and I have gained 3 pounds.
Having said all of that my years supply of I3C arrives tomorrow I can’t wait to get back on it. I took 400 mg for over 5 years and no side affects only good results.
I’ve been taking DIM + d-cal glucarate for about 6 months to help with unexplained weight gain and PMS headaches. I’ve since seen an almost total reduction in headaches and I’m starting to lose weight for the first time in 5 years. However for the last few months I’ve had severe anxiety in the two weeks before my period. Could this be from the DIM or glucarate? Considering stopping but I also don’t want to derail the weight loss 🙁
I would take a 1 month break from DIM to see if it persists. Could consider titrating down dose and trying inositol.
Since DIM blocks androgen receptors would this be contraindicated for a woman with low testosterone? It’s confusing since DIM also prevents the conversion of testosterone into estrogen.
Hi Diane – Unfortunately, Nicole is legally unable to answer this question without knowing your personal health and medical history. Nicole always recommends you see your primary care physician or a medical doctor for any health-related questions or concerns. The advice she gives on her blog and in her programs should not be substituted for medical advice.
Hi Nicole,
I’ve been taking DIM and Fibro Defense for almost a year now, sin I have PCOS/ Endometriosis. My symptoms had been at bay for now… but these last 3 months I’ve had a lot of pain. Should I stop using DIM? or should I continue to take it? I noticed you said no longer than 3 months … that;s why I ask
Hi Nicole-Can you give me the references on how low thyroid function individuals would be better off on DIM and SGS vs IC3? Also I don’t see in the links you’ve provided showing that IC3 actually increases 4-hydroxyesteone- do you have references for that? I’m trying to wrap my head around how the synthesized forms of DIM and SGS are better than the IC3 that is directly in the vegetables, but yet you recommend people increase their intake of cruciferous veggies for reasons related to estrogen levels. How is synthesized better than whole food form?
Hi Krystle – I’ve updated the post the reflect the updated information I have on these supplements. Hope that helps!
I’m taking a supplement which contains both DIIM and I3C 100mh each. should I be concerned about the I3C
I have had hormone problems for many years. I’ve tried to get help and I’ve tried to do it myself. I am sure I am having a problem with too much estrogen. I started taking dim again after previously stopping it for the mood swings it gave. Sure enough after taking it for about a week, I am having some breast pain, sweating at night, hard time falling asleep and staying asleep, and vicious mood swings. I was hoping so much dim was the answer. Is there something I am doing wrong or do you think dim just isn’t for me and if so why does it affect me so negatively? Does this happen to others? I’m so disappointed.
Hi Nicole! I’ve been reading that DIM is not as good as IC3 and even can be cancer causing in some. From what I’ve read, the guy who holds the patent for DIM also tends to make IC3 look bad so people buy his product. Does this change your viewpoints at all? Here’s an articles that discusses the issue: https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2002/1/report_i3c/Page-01
Hey Sarah, I wasn’t aware of this at all. Regardless, you need adequate stomach acid to convert I3C to DIM in the body, so if you have low stomach acid, are on acid blocking medication or even if you have Hashimotos/low thyroid function (there is a link between low stomach acid and other digestive issues and your thyroid), then DIM would be the better choice.
Hey Nicole! Thanks for this.
How does calcium d-glucarate fit in here?
Hi Nicole,
I am 43 years old and have recently been diagnosed with 2 fibroids (submucosal and subserosal). From research, I know estrogen plays a huge role. Dr. wants me to have a hysterscopic myomectomy or hysterectomy. It makes me spot for days and am severely anemic from all the blood loss, especially during my menstrual cycle that lasts 7-8 days. I’ve been taking iron pills, but would like to know your recommendation on what products you suggested in the article that I should incorporate. I started eating fruits (snacks, smoothies, oatmeal)and vegetables everyday (cruciferous, including spinach, sweet potatoes, asparagus, avocado, bok choy,carrots, etc) , salmon, tuna, lentils, beets and different kinds of beans ever since I found out 3 1/2 weeks ago, but due to all the high oxalate foods, my kidneys start to hurt. I have a history of stones and after a recent cat scan it shows more stones and cysts and feel like they’re moving. I will be seeing my urologist soon. In the meantime, what do you recommend for these fibroids to shrink fast that won’t have any effect on my kidneys?
Hi Nicole,
I have non-insulin PCOS or HA (not quite sure because hormones came back normal) but period is now regular only symptom is acne. Can you still have Estrogen dominance if you have very light periods/short cycles/no PMS symptoms and would DIM be beneficial?
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for all the great information! I am just wondering about how often SGS/DIM should be taken. You wrote that SGS is every second day for 30 days and DIM is every day for 30 days, but what happens after those 30 days? Are the effects permanent, or do they eventually wear off? How soon after those 30 days could someone start taking SGS/DIM again if they start to notice old symptoms returning or if they didn’t actually see much of a change in the first place? I would ask my doctor, but he’s not very open to discussing different options about my reproductive health (he just always wants to put me on birth control pills, which I don’t want, again), so I would love to hear what your recommendation is. (I might need a new doctor …)
Thanks 🙂
Hey Kathleen, the effects of using SGS and DIM last for awhile but how long exactly depends on your diet, lifestyle, genetics, gut health etc. I personally will use them 1-2 times a year, but of course can’t make specific recommendations to you here on the blog. Ultimately, these supplements can be used for longer than 30 days, but this is 100% your call. Since I am making a general recommendation based on what I do in my work, it’s important to stress that you should speak to a practitioner if you want to take them for longer. I TOTALLY get that your doctor isn’t open, and would def recommend you find someone who is trained in nutrition and supplementation if you can. Hope this helps! 🙂
Hi, I just read your post and was a little concerned regarding the I 3C supplement. I am 48 and currently in perimenopause. I was given the I 3C do to estrogen dominance and I also have Routine saliva and urine test on my levels of hormones being tested. I am also currently on progesterone cream made specifically for me from a compound pharmacy. I definitely have issues with Hormonal imbalance as well as having heavy cycles and short cycles between each month meaning coming every 21 days. The Progesterone cream in the last year has seem to have helped me and I was just informed recently to start on the I 3C which was due to the fact that they felt I could benefit from it with detoxing and processing excess estrogen and balance hormones as well as having heavy cycles and short cycles between each month meaning coming sometimes 21 days or sooner. After reading your article I was very surprised and quite upset reading the fact that you stated in the article that it is not a really good supplement to use especially for the fact that it can cause tumors to GROW!!! I also have three fibroid tumors that my GYNE watches. I have held off and kept at bay these fibroids and just dealing till I get Through menopause! I feel I should be off the i3c , after reading what you have in your information and now I am getting off of the I 3C. What ingredient in there causes tumors to grow versus what’s in the dim?? I’m looking At starting Dim instead ?? Please answer me at your earliest convenience as I am going to discuss this with the practitioner who prescribes my progesterone and other supplements. I also take B 12. I found this article very informative and I have also been doing research to on the I3C. I was taking them every other day one capsule. Thank you for this article as your post have been very informative and other topics for other people I have talked with. Thank you Monica
Hi Monica! I think it’s important to bring this up with your doctor and present the studies that show the volatility of I3C, and the fact that it is basically useless in the body until it is converted to DIM. Additionally, you need to have adequate stomach acid for I3C to be converted properly to DIM — hence the reason you want to take a DIM supplement versus I3C. There are lots of articles on this…
https://examine.com/supplements/diindolylmethane/
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/indole-3-carbinol
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/indole-3-carbinol
Unfortunately I cannot make specific health recommendations to you on the blog, so you’ll have to talk to your doctor. Hope this helps!
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Would SGS or DIM be helpful in menopausal women? I am 49 and have symptoms of Estrogen Dominance and believe I have struggled with ED most of my adult life; however, because my labs show very low estrogen and even lower progesterone my doc does not think I have ED. Based on what I have learned about ED, it seems that the ratio of E being higher than P, even when both are very low, could still result in ED symptoms. My last labs/doc visit 3 months ago indicated menopause, but I just got a period this past week. I really started working on liver detox these past few months to help with ED (Chinese herbs, acupuncture, dandelion root teas, calcium d-glucarate, cruciferous veggies/and supplements, milk thistle) and wonder if maybe it has helped and my hormones balance and maybe I am still peri-meno. I would like to consider adding SGS or DIM and wonder if, in your experience, it is helpful for close to or post menopausal ladies who are no longer cycling. Thank you for all your great information, you have been such a help to my daughter (PCOS) and I!
Hi Judy! Thanks so much for your comment! I can’t give health advice specific to your case, but based on what you shared I’d say you’re already taking quite a few supplements. I believe “less is more” when it comes to supplements so I wouldn’t say adding another one in is necessarily going to help you achieve your goals. I also think that it becomes harder to figure out what is working versus what is working when there are too many supps in the mix. To answer your question, both of the supplements can be helpful for women in all stages of their period life cycle, because they are supporting the liver detoxification process. Hope this helps!
I started taking Dim for perimenopause hormone imbalance and cystic acne. I noticed improvement in both after only a few days. I did have diarrhea that did not improve at all. I took 100mg a day for 3 weeks. At the 3 week mark, the muscles in my neck stsrted to tighten and become enflamed. By the 3rd day if this sensation my skin was red, itchy and irritated. My breathing became slightly labired and difficult. Nothing changed except the use of this product. I went to the dr who gave me a steroid shot and antihistamines. After further resesrch, I read that Dim can cause these types if reactions up to 8 weeks after starting them. I am disappointed because they were working for me, but these supplements need more studies.
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for the great read.
I have had my period only twice since January 2017. I took a saliva test with my naturopath and it had come back with extremely high testosterone.
I am on my 5th week of DIM x3 50mg scoops per day.
As well as:
– magnesium (500mg)
– Chaste tree (500gm x2)
– Probiotics
– Ca D Glucarate (700mg x2)
– Metagenics T- clear (x2)
So far I have had no sign of a period. Would love to know your input!
Hi Rachael!
I would love to offer advice, but unfortunately I can’t give specific health recommendations on blog post comments for a number of reasons (liability being on of the biggest). I will say that high testosterone is a major culprit in lack of ovulation and thus lack of a period. So you’ll have to work with your naturopath to figure out why that is happening. I often look to blood sugar as being the cause in many cases, and recommend women start with my Fix Your Blood Sugar Protocol which you’ll find here: nicolejardim.com/programs
Hope this helps!
xoxo
Nicole
Hii Nicole , i am 20 yrs old male, i have lost weight but not fat from chest{ManBoobs} and abdo . how much dim or i3c supplement should i use to get good result should i use both i3c 200 mg and dim 100 mg .