Evidence supporting the use of: Diindoylmethane
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a compound formed in the body during the digestion of indole-3-carbinol, which is found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. The primary rationale for its use in menopause is its influence on estrogen metabolism. Some in vitro and animal studies, as well as limited human data, suggest that DIM promotes the conversion of estrogen to less potent, potentially protective metabolites. This has led to the hypothesis that DIM may help balance estrogen levels during menopause, potentially alleviating symptoms such as hot flashes or supporting overall hormonal health.
Despite these mechanisms, high-quality clinical evidence supporting DIM’s effectiveness for treating or supporting menopause is limited. A few small-scale studies have examined DIM’s effects on hormone metabolism in postmenopausal women, but results are preliminary and do not robustly demonstrate symptom relief or major health benefits. The evidence base is therefore weak, with most support coming from mechanistic studies or extrapolation from its effects on estrogen metabolism, rather than from rigorous trials assessing menopause symptoms directly.
In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some preclinical and early clinical evidence supporting DIM’s use in menopause, current data are insufficient to confirm its effectiveness. More large-scale, well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy and safety for menopausal 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
Elk antler
Evening Primrose
Estrogen
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Diindoylmethane
Cancer (natural therapy for)Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cervical Dysplasia
Fibroids (uterine)
Inflammation
Menopause
PMS (general)