Evidence supporting the use of: Diindolylmethane
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a compound derived from the digestion of indole-3-carbinol, which is found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Its use in menopause support is primarily based on its effects on estrogen metabolism. Specifically, DIM has been shown in laboratory and some small clinical studies to promote the formation of "good" estrogen metabolites (such as 2-hydroxyestrone) over "bad" ones (such as 16α-hydroxyestrone), which may be beneficial for hormonal balance during menopause.
However, the scientific evidence directly supporting DIM for the relief of menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes) is limited. Most of the research to date involves animal studies, test-tube experiments, or focuses on estrogen metabolism rather than clinical outcomes in menopausal women. A few small human trials suggest DIM can influence estrogen metabolite ratios, but robust, well-controlled trials examining symptom relief are lacking.
In summary, while there is a plausible biological mechanism and early data suggesting DIM may help modulate estrogen in a way that could support menopausal health, the overall evidence is weak and insufficient for strong clinical recommendations. More high-quality human studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety for menopause symptom management.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Diindolylmethane
Breast LumpsCancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cervical Dysplasia
Inflammation
Menopause
PMS (general)