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Questions about DIM

by Shari
(Arizona)

Hi, Wray. I started taking DIM about a week ago to help with my estrogen dominance because progesterone wasn't quite enough even though I use about 800mg - cycling. I can't afford to buy more. I am having terrible water retention with the DIM. I have read that this is normal for a time, and then I will start to feel better. Do you know how long it takes to feel better with the DIM? It is really hard feeling this way. Thank you.

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Feb 10, 2012
 Questions about DIM
by: Wray

Hi Shari Most people are lead to believe DIM reduces oestrogen levels, it doesn't. It changes the ratio of bad oestrone to better. Oestrogen is broken down into 2 principle metabolites, 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 16-alpha hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1). 16alpha-OHE1 is regarded as a potent oestrogen, whereas 2-OHE1 is a weak oestrogen. DIM increases levels of 2-OHE1, by doing so it also increases the ratio of 2-OHE1:16alpha-OHE1. This increased ratio is associated with a lower risk for breast cancer, see here. Other studies have found a protective role too. You could try taking Calcium D-glucarate, this does reduce oestrogen. Oestrogen is metabolised in the liver by glucuronic acid, the process is known as glucuronidation. Glucuronidation is one of the major detoxification pathways of the liver. It removes carcinogens, toxins, tumour promoters, the sex hormones ie, the androgens and oestrogens, mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, aromatic and heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, various nitrosamines, drugs, fungi etc. It's then excreted in the bile, but an enzyme in the intestine called beta-glucuronidase reverses the glucuronidation process. It breaks the glucoronide bond between a toxin and glucuronic acid, and releases carcinogens, toxins and excess steroid hormones back into circulation. There's evidence beta-glucuronidase activity is increased in breast and prostate cancer. Calcium D-glucarate inhibits beta-glucuronidase, see here, here, here and here. Incidentally this enzyme is produced by undesirable gut bacteria, supplementing with probiotics suppresses the bacteria, and subsequently the beta-glucuronidase. Unfortunately I can't tell you when the water retention will go down. Every time you stop the progesterone it allows oestrogen to rise again. Have you considered using it daily for 2-3 months, but a lesser amount. Daily use will ensure progesterone becomes dominant, and oestrogen can't rise. Please consider this. Take care Wray
Feb 10, 2012
 Questions about dim
by: Anonymous

Hi Shari I used dim before for quite a while had the same reaction. I think you have to be careful with this. It works for some but when I used it I felt horrible even women who work in the health store I talk to said the same thing if you look at slot of the labels you will see it contains soy. Maybe that the problem or the fact that from recent research I found that not only does it change estrogen to more favorable ones but it also helps your body make good estrogen. Good or bad who wants to make more estrogen? Anyway it's good in some ways but not everybody tolerates it different body chemistys. I think calcium d glucarate is abetted option for getting rid of estrogen hope this helps
Feb 11, 2012
 Questions about dim
by: Wray

Hi there Thanks for your input, as I've not heard of this problem before Shari mentioned it. Take care Wray
Feb 11, 2012
 DIM and Taurine
by: Shari

Thank you so much for all of the comments. You had also mentioned taurine before. I would like to know more about it. Is it in a food source, or do we need to supplement it. How would I know if I don't have enough? Thank you so much.
Feb 13, 2012
 DIM and Taurine
by: Wray

Hi Shari You can read a short blurb about taurine here. Scroll down till you get to the info. It's an amino acid, a potent antioxidant, and is found in all tissues subjected to high oxidative stress, the heart, eyes and liver. It's not found in any vegetable, fruit, nuts or seeds, only animal protein. It's essential for bile production, insufficient bile allows toxins to back up in the body. There's no way of knowing if you have enough, unless you have a blood test. And I'm not sure if they even do one! If you don't eat much meat or fish, this has the highest level, then you could well be low. It's a very calming amino acid, acting as a neurotransmitter in the brain to calm that down. It also calms the heart if it's beating erratically or too fast. Good if you've drunk too much coffee! These are a few papers, see here and here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here. Take care Wray
Mar 10, 2012
 Does DIM causes you to be late for you period?
by: Anonymous

I just recently started DIM in mid February and now i'm 2 weeks late for my period. I took a pregnancy test and it showed boarderline HcG levels so I got a blood test done and it showed negative. I have every symptom that i'm going to start my period and still have not. Any insight on this?
Mar 11, 2012
 Does DIM causes you to be late for you period?
by: Wray

Hi there I've not heard of DIM causing the cycle to be upset. But as it does change the ratio of the two oestrone metabolites, it could affect it. Take care Wray
May 04, 2012
 I believe DIM isn't all positive!
by: Anonymous

Hi there

I have been taking DIM now for approx. 5 months and I started taking it because my skin was breaking out. My skin is better, although this month I have had a little break out on my chin. I have also noticed in the last month or so that my hair is falling out heaps, and the only thing I can put it down to is DIM, so am going to stop taking it and hopefully my skin will be ok, time will tell. Another thing I have experienced is that my breasts are quite sore after ovulation. A friend put me on to DIM as she said it helped her a lot with her moods. It may be good for some, but I believe it is making my hair fall out considerably. Has anyone else experienced this. I wonder if I am mucking my hormones up, and doing damage to my liver? Thanks
Feb 26, 2013
 DIM my PMS is better but Im losing my hair!
by: Anonymous

I was so excited to find a DIM supplement Estrobalance BUT i have now found my hair falling out in heaps! I know it is the DIM because i stopped taking it for about 5 days and within a week my hair shedding dropped to a fraction of what it has been!

UGGG WILL I HAVE TO BE MISERABLE OR BALD WITH NOW IN BETWEEN!?
Mar 03, 2013
 DIM my PMS is better but Im losing my hair!
by: Wray

Hi there We do have a page on Hair Loss you could look through. It has a list of nutrients which help hair growth. You could consider using progesterone too, as that stops PMS, see here. It also helps hair growth too. There's more info on our page How to use progesterone cream. Take care Wray
May 20, 2013
 Can DIM be used together with progesterone cream?
by: Bubbly

Hi Wray.

Used Nature's Way DIM for 1 mth and found that it really helped with curbing hot flashes, migraines and mood swings. However, it did not regulate my erratic cycles and excessive perimenopausal bleeding. So I started using it with progesterone cream. A quarter tsp of progest cream day and night, from day 14th to 28th helped to stop the bleeding. Now third mth into using the cream, my cycle was stretched to more than 30 days and longer. Although I am relieved that I am no longer battling 2 periods a mth or incessant spotting between periods, I am concerned about the "delay". Is this normal? Currently only using DIM 3 days before and during menses.
May 24, 2013
 Can DIM be used together with progesterone cream?
by: Wray

Hi Bubbly I'm pleased the DIM helped you, it's helped many women. Although it won't regulate your period or help the excessive bleeding. I'm surprised the progesterone helped though, as you are using so little, I've normally found 400mg/day is needed, plus a few nutrients too. It can upset the cycle when first using it, making it earlier or later than normal, it's nothing to worry about, it usually settles in time. We do have more info on our Peri-menopause page. Take care Wray
Jul 31, 2013
 DIM should be used for short intervals of time
by: Anonymous

I have been taking DIM now for a few weeks to help get rid of ovarian cysts and have noticed an ENORMOUS difference in my pain level, however as I understand it from the websites and research I have done it is to be used periodically as a kind of xenohormone detox if you will and other herbs are to be used after a 4 month regimen of DIM to help maintain healthy hormone function. Maybe some of you that are having side effects after several months of use should try a different herbal regimen now that you have detoxed your system and just continue to avoid xenoestrogen in your meats, shampoos, body washes and drinking from plastics. Hope this is helpful!
Jul 21, 2014
 teenage daughter
by: maria

My daughter is 13 and has been getting 2 periods a month since her period started. That's 8 months now. I started her on progesterone cream 1 1/2 months ago. The first time, cycle was lengthed from 21 days to 27. The next period, went down to 23 days, and third period using cream, cycle back to 21 days. For this last cycle, I increased the amount of progesterone . We are not using alot as I wanted to start her off slow. According to the bottle, there are 20 mg in 1/4 teaspoon. We started with two 1/4 teaspoons a day, which means she was only getting 40 mg of progesterone per day. The first month that helped in alot. Had longer cycle. But this last time, I started the cream sooner based on your chart and used more, 80-100 mg per day and her cycle was shorter. I have noticed that her periods are lighter since progesterone cream. Do you think we went backwards again because I increased the amount of progesterone and started it sooner? How do you think we should proceed? I was thinking of adding DIM. I have also started giving her vitamin D. Thanks.
Aug 12, 2014
 Stroke
by: Mindfulstate

I had a stroke in '09 from taking bc pills. I was 49 yrs old. I had no paralyses but couldn't speak or write. At this point you would never know I had a stroke….Blessed! Stopped the pills and went into perimenopause. That lasted 1 1/2 yrs then total menopause. Started bio-identical hormones however, no doctor was on board with giving me bio-identical estrogen due to the stroke. I did end up on the lowest dosage of Viveldot .0375 and 100 mg of progesterone. I just started taking DIM Plus over a week ago, 1 pill a day, the recommended is 2 a day. A friend told me about it and after doing my research I thought it would be safe. Any thoughts?
Sep 02, 2014
 re: Mindfulstate - stroke
by: Cinegurl

Hi Mindful - Similar story here. Stroke 12/02 (that was a merry christmas!) couldn't speak, etc at first, but you wouldn't know it now. I know the differences, tho'. Now 10 cm fibroid pressing against my spine. It's been so long I guess the dr thought recommending a full total abdominal hyster + HRT would be okay. I said, "Hell no!" especially do to the fact my mother got breast cancer that tested estrogen-positive-receptive. Still, my would-be surgeon snapped back, "I'll give you the good drugs..."

HENCE...I searched high and low and in addition to switching to a 99% Organic diet (already was 80%) and started eating bales of kale, broccoli, & cauliflower, etc, (so much that if they were to cut me open I'm sure they'd see some greens sprouting in there) and I started DIM about two weeks ago. 200mg + Vitex, 2x a day.

So, here it is, my period should start any time now. I feel "fine" except for a headache (and lack of sleep thanks to the fibroid).

I will say that this month, since making the above changes, has helped reduce the pressure of the fibroid off my spine (though it still hits my sciatica a little).

As for the stroke, a few months ago my PCP FINALLY took me off coumadin and put me on Xarelto. I was already experiencing inflammation in my hands (tested c-protein receptor above normal) and I'm pretty sure now that all the inflammation I've had has been a direct result of the fibroid. But after switch to Xarelto the back pain really kicked in, 6 - 8 weeks ago. There's no way to tell if the Xarelto has had anything to do with this whole cycle of things - other than if I take myself off of it and see what happens...lol...But being off coumadin & its side-effects is GREAT!

I've been looking to see if I should abstain from DIM during my period, or not. I decided to continue taking it to see how or if it impacts my period.

Normally, my periods are like clockwork, albeit every odd month is different than every even month. Every odd month is the "same" and every even month is its own "same".

I believe my headache right now is due to the hormonal change as my period gets ready to begin. This is (sadly) "normal". :::sigh:::

Other protocols in my regimen are 50mg Iodoral + B complex + 3000 Vitamin C + Alaskan Fish Oil + CoQ10 + Cinnamon + Milk Thistle + 5,000 IU Vitamin D (new this week).

Hope that helps! You know your body best. Listen to it.
Feb 15, 2015
 Dim acne and hair loss
by: Alex

i took Dim Cause i red it help to get rid of hormonal acne ( chin acne). i took for 3 month dim. and now started to notice a hair loss. i will stop take it. and hope my hair will get back. could someone advise how to take dim safely? will start to take msm. hope it will help hair and skin. fingers crossed.
Mar 12, 2015
 CDG
by: Suzanne

Is it possible that CDG will raise testosterone in women, not lower it? I started taking it for my high E level. Did a saliva test about a month later and it showed E down some and T up a little. I'm still mid range for T, so not high. But i want to increse my CDG dose (cause high E is still an issue), but don't want T to go too high. Maybe it's just finding a better balance? I do suffer hair loss, and have since my second child was born. I'm currently working on progesterone levels too. I know it will help my E levels and hair loss. Thank you!
Mar 12, 2015
 So many questions!!
by: Linda

I have been reading all the comments and questions here and i am trying to understand if DIM is good for me. I seem to have a varied list of issues so for some it is yes and others it is no. I would like to list my top 4 issues and see if someone can help me with my decision.
1- I have had ovarian cancer, blood clots (PE and DVT) and endocarditis all in 2012.
2- I am losing my hair
3- I have adult acne
4-I am overweight (belly area)

I have started to watch my diet as I know that being a carboholic has not helped the situation!!!
Thoughts anyone.
Jul 15, 2015
 DIM post menopausal
by: Anonymous

IS DIM recommended for post menopausal women who are estrogen dominant? I do not do well at all with progesterone supplementation at any dose--Ive tried them all....it makes me depressed, sleepy, lethargic and moody and fat. But wonder if DIM can help me sleep at night and get rid of extra water weight and muscle pain that is associated with hormonal fluctuations? I'm 56. Thanks.
Oct 13, 2015
 Headaches??
by: Anonymous

I just stopped taking 100mg/day of DIM and Calcium D-Glucarate. I was a little fearful of taking it for too long, since I can't find any info on long term effects if any. I have now been suffering from horrible headaches. I am sure this is linked some how. Any advice? Is DIM safe long term?
Nov 24, 2015
 low estrogen
by: Anonymous

I found out, that my estradiol is very, very, very low. I was wondering if DIM is only good for estrogen dominance? i have low estrogen and I'm trying to bring the levels up.
Dec 05, 2015
 Progesterone or DIM.. Or both?
by: Anonymous

Hi there, I'm 32 and my year year old daughter just weaned from breast feeding about 6 months ago. Since then my cycles of been 10 days. Trying to figure out what is going on with my hormones and what is best I was told you can't use progesterone cream and dim together?
Mar 18, 2016
 this is not the supplement to take if your on meds
by: Anonymous

I was referred to a clinic that treated women with the bio hormone pellets by another pa at my diabetes clinic so i was implanted with the pellets the next visit after lab was a month she sold me some dim to take at that time it was about 6 or 7 months ago since then my diabetes clinic told me my sugar was way high and encased my insulin wanting me to be checked again early and my pc told me my blood pressure is running high have to be checked again there soon too then my pain management dr wrote me a letter saying my meds were not showing in my test so i had independent test done and the first one was neg too they performed a more accurate test and found my meds to i took it to my pain dr then i had forgotten my appoint time for my pellets they had it a month early so when i went in she told me to come back next month i mentioned to her about my neg test and she said the dim would clean out the meds like that was a good thing! i have been in my bed not wanting to move for months i trusted dim because when i looked it up i only saw it was a vegetable and safe it has been a nightmare it takes all your meds and supplements your liver breakdowns for use and its been four days since then i stopped it right away wanting to know when i will get my metabolism back i threw my dinner up the day after stopping dim and my urine has smelled awful everyday but i have stopped going to the bathroom every 30 mins now because the dim made me urinate constantly when i first took it i had pink urine then dark after that i looked it up everyone said it was normal so i continued until four days ago does anyone know when i will be back to normal liver function? sorry about my typing been crying today after reading all the drug interactions and side effects and don't feel like even writing this today thanks
May 05, 2016
 My rexoerience of DIM
by: Naomi

I tried progesterone for oestrogen dominance post-menopausally but experienced bad oestrogen-rebound.
A "23 & me"genetic raw-data interpretive site recommended DIM.I took only 1 tablet 2 days running(Source Naturels brand)I was awoken in the early hours with a very severe bout of diarrhoea & vomiting that went on for hours,after experiencing a headache in an unusual(for me)part of my head during the day.
I thought I had contracted food poisoning from chicken or the winter vomiting virus.
On 30.4.16 I repeated the dose exactly,with exactly the same outcome.
They are now in the bin.I am going to try progesterone again,but am thinking of sublingual oil until I am through oestrogen rebound,as it is stronger & easier to take.Then hopefully I can resume topical progesterone
Sep 19, 2016
 stop taking dim
by: Anonymous

if I am going to stop taking dim, should I do this slowly?
I am worried about weight gain if I stop taking it all together. I started taking this for hormone balance as a bodybuilder.
Jan 26, 2017
 D,I,m ,d..,d..
by: Anonymous

I just started taking DIM a few days ago and I am finding myself with horrible water retention and ravenously hungry. Will this subside?
Feb 27, 2017
 To anonymous 1/26/17
by: GM

How much DIM were you taking? Just curious because I am looking at my unopened recently purchased bottle of 100mg DIM and 5mg DHEA as recommended by my doctor. But, after reading all of the previous posts, I am quite hesitant.
Mar 08, 2017
 Sore boobs
by: Louise

Hi l have been on dim plus for nearly 3 weeks my boobs are tender all the time can you help plz.
Apr 22, 2017
 Can anyone help with info?
by: Anonymous

Does anyone have any answers to these questions?

Gosh how I wish Wray were here to help us. It seems dim can cause further issues and trigger hair loss for some. Why is this? I wish there some kind of clues or information to help us.

Do you think Joy would know why dim can be problematic for some? I don't know how often she reads these now, I can imagine she's been under stress herself since January.

I wish dim were the answer for me but as it causes hair to shed immediately it seems that it is not but I'm desparate to understand why, even just a little.

I wonder if no amount of hormones will help some of us, that we are just broken and doomed to stay miserable and bald forever?

How soul destroying to think of that.
Jul 07, 2017
 DIM and Calcium D Glucarate saved me
by: Anonymous

I'm 49 and started taking DIM and Calcium D Glucarate for estrogen dominance. Fixed my bad moods, gave me tons of energy, breast pain was gone and I stopped heavy bleeding. I also dropped 10 lbs.

I took both for at least 8 months then dropped the CDG and continued the DiM until just recently when I started taking the CDG again.

The DIM definitely keeps my breasts from getting sore, keeps my skin mostly clear but I gained the 10 lbs. back. Never suffered any hair loss from it. I still take it occasionally but I'm taking the CDG now for the most part.

I also started progesterone cream 20 mg. a day and I'm having night sweats and lack of focus. I'm now wondering if estrogen is too low.

Anyway, that's my experience. I believe every woman should at least take the CDG at any age but especially during perimenopause.
Aug 09, 2017
 Breast pain
by: Anonymous

I too started taking DIM for endometrial cancer, and my boobs now hurt all the time.

Is this normal?
Aug 25, 2017
 Questions about DIM..... Breast pain
by: SGM

To the person who's on DIM and has breast pain.

Stop taking DIM.

At the top of the thread Wray stated that DIM does not get rid of estrogen. Check out her comment.

This is what is from Web MD about DIM....
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Diindolylmethane might act like estrogen, so there is some concern that it might make hormone-sensitive conditions worse. These conditions include breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer; endometriosis; and uterine fibroids. However, developing research also suggests that diindolylmethane might work against estrogen and could possibly be protective against hormone-dependent cancers. But stay on the safe side. Until more is known, don’t use diindolylmethane if you have a hormone-sensitive condition.

This warns against taking DIM if you have an estrogen cancer. Use Natpro and other Suplements that this web site suggests to rid your body of excess estrogen.

Don't eat sugar or take iron supplements as cancer likes theses a lot.
Sep 17, 2017
 Breast Pain
by: Joy

You may find that Wray's post further up dated Feb 10, 2012 will answer your questions. Have you considered using progesterone? If you are wanting to reduce your estrogen level, Natpro Progesterone Cream will help you.

Do you know what your vitamin D3 level is? If not, please consider having a test done as a deficiency reduces the benefits of progesterone. Co-factors are needed.

Please read these pages as they will help you to understand progesterone and how to use it correctly.

All the best.

How to use Progesterone Cream

Estrogen Dominance

Vitamin D3

Magnesium
Sep 29, 2017
 dim and older women
by: Anonymous

Should a woman in her 70's take dim?
Sep 29, 2017
 DIM and older women
by: Joy

If you are wanting to take DIM to reduce estrogen levels, then rather take Calcium D-glucarate (CDG) and use a good organic progesterone cream. DIM does not reduce estrogen levels as we are led to believe. If you have not done so already, please read this entire thread.
Oct 05, 2017
 DIM Reaction
by: Anonymous

I started taking DIM about 5 days ago to help with hot flashes. It seems to have exacerbated them and I've had some breakthrough bleeding (I haven't bled at all in over a year) and I've had excessive moodiness. I feel like this has to be the DIM.

Anyone else had this kind of reaction?
Oct 05, 2017
 I don't think dim caused you to bleed after not having a period for a year
by: Anonymous

Go to the doctor and get checked for cancer. Specifically uterine cancer. Any bleeding after not bleeding/having a period after a year means you went through menopause and are postmenopausal and bleeding postmenopausal is not a good sign. I bled after being postmenopausal and I have uterine cancer. I didn't know I was postmenopausal after not having a period for a year but a hormonal blood test confirmed I was post. Then I started bleeding a little on and off and it turned out to be uterine cancer.
Feb 27, 2018
 Study before you take a supplement
by: Anonymous

I have estrogen dominance, it is severe and I've had it for several years. When taking a supplement you must read articles and then scroll down to the resources and take the time to read the studies conducted on the nutrient. In the studies you'll find the test dosages, the duration of the study, and the effects or outcomes of the study.

Some people taking DIM are doing so for acne reasons, most generally it will assist in clearing up problem skin however you have to understand that the primary function of DIM is to modulate the hormone detoxification pathway. Therefore if you are not estrogen dominant and you are taking it for another reason then more than likely your hormones are going to be out of whack with continual use.

Now if you are taking DIM for estrogen dominance you can expect the following: rashes, menstrual changes, emotional changes, etc until your hormones are leveled out. Now since the liver is the main organ utilized to detoxify hormones, chemicals, etc. then one would naturally deduct that you need a supplement that will assist in detoxification of the liver.
Apr 18, 2018
 dim
by: tina

Do you need to discontinue using DIM while you have your periods or not?

Thank you.
Oct 03, 2018
 Long time DIM user
by: Anonymous

Six years ago I had estrogen dominance receptor breast cancer. My doctor told me I could take DIM instead of a prescription drug. I have taken it for six years and never experienced any of the symptoms mentioned in this article.

About a month ago I went to another doctor who said I had high levels of estrogen. However, he just increased my DIM dosage and put me on a progestogen cream to use three times a week. I haven't been back for a check-up but now I'm concerned that I have used the DIM for so many years.

My blood work overall is great and no reoccurrence of cancer. I might also mention that I had a total hysterectomy when I was 28 so I have no issues with periods. I've been told the estrogen I took for years was the cause of my breast cancer.

Now I just don't know what to do after reading that DIM doesn't help estrogen levels. Any suggestions?
Nov 13, 2020
 Taking DIM - can’t stop bleeding?
by: Anonymous

Hi all

Just wondering if anyone has experienced the same and not sure if I should just stick it out for my cycle to balance.

I started taking DIM around 6weeks ago, 2 tablets a day and it’s caused heavy bleeding. My period used to be around 3-4 days, now going on 2 weeks and still heavy. I’m also getting 2x period with only around a 10 day break in between.

Has anyone experienced similar? Did it even out as your body got used to it?

It’s cleared up my terrible mood swings and back acne so I’m keen to try to stay on it any way I can. Any tips? Really struggling
Aug 23, 2023
 DIM
by: Anonymous

hey i am jacy, i started taking DIM almost a month ago and i didnt get my periods yet. should i stop taking them to get my periods back? or is it normal
Aug 25, 2023
 DIM
by: Joy

Hi Anonymous

I need more information from you please. Why are you taking DIM? Are you using Natpro progesterone cream and what is your Vitamin D3 level?

Take care.
Aug 28, 2023
 Period Changes
by: Anonymous

Hi there,

I took 250 mg a day of DIM starting around July 10th and through my period July 27th - 31st. My periods are usually 4 days long but an extra day was tacked on to the back end. Not only that but I was in such horrible pain that I actually had to use pain medication. Keep in mind that I haven’t touched pain medication during my periods in YEARS. Typically my periods work like clockwork and come on time and I’ve never had any issues being late. That being said, I was expecting to get my period on the 26th of this month but it still hasn’t come. I’ve noticed some cramping but no blood. Is this known to happen?

Thank you,
Dawn
Aug 29, 2023
 Period Changes
by: Joy

Hi Dawn

DIM seems to affect woman differently as stated in this post. My question to you would be the same as Anonymous below. Age also plays a part. You could be in Peri-Menopause, link given on this post.

Best wishes.
Mar 20, 2024
 DIM and perimenopause bleeding
by: Anonymous

Hi, I'm 47 and going through peri. Over the last 5 years my cycles went from 28 to 25 days, super heavy the first 3 days, and now the belly fat. I had horrible sleep and moods in the past couple years but those seem to be resolved and I don't want to mess with them now. I had previously been on DIM when working with a functional medicine practitioner, at the time I didn't realize I was in peri, I think we just thought we were 'balancing my hormones.' Anyway I went back on DIM thinking it would help with my cycles and the water weight/belly fat/whatever. I started DIM after my period ended, and 4 days later I got my period again. It's now been 8 days of FULL ON bleeding, with only a 4-day break after my last period. I have to think it's the DIM. Should I stay on it to see if things even out? Should I add a 100 mg progesterone tablet? (I have a prescription for an estrogen patch + progesterone pill but I'm afraid to take them because of the weight gain and mood swings people have reported)
Mar 21, 2024
 DIM and perimenopause bleeding
by: Joy

Peri-Menopause usually starts at around 35 when progesterone levels drop sharply while estrogen remains the same. Your doctor should know this. This explains your irregular and heavy periods. You are also suffering from Estrogen Dominance.

DIM will not regulate your monthly cycle as explained by Wray's posts on this thread.  I suggest that you stop the DIM and see how that affects you.  The heavy bleeding is a concern as anemia could set it.  Please consider using a good organic progesterone cream such as Natpro which was formulated over 30 years ago.  Any kind of oral progesterone is not the best Delivery Method as around 96% gets destroyed by the gut and liver, see here. Again your doctor should know this. 
 
If you do decide to try the cream, between 400-500mg per day is needed until the bleeding is under control. This heavy bleeding protocol has helped so many women:

400-500mg Natpro Progesterone Cream per day
2000mg N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) per day
2000mg Taurine per day
5000iu's Vitamin D3 per day
1000mg Bioflavanoids or Vitamin C per day

You might like to read the How to use Progesterone cream and the Vitamin D3 pages, links given on this thread.

A vitamin D3 deficiency will reduce the benefits of progesterone.

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