Diindolylmethane is a substance found in vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts and cauliflower that promotes metabolism of estrogen in both men and women. Studies on this substance have shown that it can help prevent breast cancer in women and men, lower the risks of developing breast cancer in individuals with familial breast cancer and reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer, uterine cancer and lupus.
DIM is not a phytoestrogen although it does act to balance natural responses to estrogen. Women who are premenopausal can benefit from a supplementation of this substance as it works to balance progesterone levels, which help keep estrogen levels normal. This can help symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances during menstrual cycles such as irregular periods and mood disorders. It also can reduce breast pain and assist with conditions such as endometriosis and fibrocystic disease. Men can also benefit from supplementation as research clearly shows this active cruciferous substance can help prevent andropause, which can cause benign prostatic hypertrophy. This condition is caused by the effects of estrogen metabolism changing with the aging process, which causes an accumulation of estrogen in the prostate gland.
Estrogen levels are also influenced by diets that contain high amounts of fat as well as foods containing pesticide residues. High fat diets rich in animal fats and omega 6 fatty acids can change the metabolism of estrogen. This can raise the risks of cancer and benign breast disease in men and women. With the use of this immune system booster in supplemental form the risks of developing environmental estrogen exposure diseases can also be reduced.