Evidence supporting the use of: Diindolylymethane
For the health condition: PMS (general)
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 cabbage. DIM is often marketed as a supplement for hormonal balance, including support for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The rationale is that DIM modulates estrogen metabolism, promoting the formation of less potent estrogen metabolites, which might theoretically reduce estrogen-dominant symptoms sometimes associated with PMS.
However, the scientific evidence specifically supporting DIM for the treatment or support of PMS is limited. Most research on DIM has centered on its effects in hormone-related cancers and general estrogen metabolism. A few small human studies and animal models suggest that DIM can alter estrogen metabolite ratios, but there are no robust, well-controlled clinical trials demonstrating a clear benefit for PMS symptom relief. The majority of claims for DIM and PMS are extrapolated from its mechanism of action rather than direct clinical outcomes.
In summary, while there is a plausible biological mechanism for how DIM might influence hormone-related symptoms, direct scientific support for its use in PMS is weak, and most evidence remains preliminary. More rigorous clinical studies are needed to determine its efficacy and safety for this specific indication.
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose
Estrogen
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Diindolylymethane
Cancer (natural therapy for)Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Fibroids (uterine)
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
PMS (general)