Supplement Scholar
Compound

DIM (Diindolylmethane)

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DIM (Diindolylmethane). Cruciferous-vegetable metabolite that shifts estrogen metabolism toward 2-OH (protective) pathways.

How it works. Modulates cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1/CYP1B1) ratio, favoring 2-hydroxyestrone over 16α-hydroxyestrone.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Improves 2:16 OH estrogen ratio (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 100–200 mg.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried DIM (Diindolylmethane). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

DIM (Diindolylmethane). Cruciferous-vegetable metabolite that shifts estrogen metabolism toward 2-OH (protective) pathways.

Molecular structureC17H14N2 · 246.31 g/mol

What it is

Cruciferous-vegetable metabolite that shifts estrogen metabolism toward 2-OH (protective) pathways.

Also called

3,3'-Diindolylmethane

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Estrogen BalanceHormone OptimizationMen's HealthWomen's HealthHormonal Acne

How it works

Modulates cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1/CYP1B1) ratio, favoring 2-hydroxyestrone over 16α-hydroxyestrone.

Pathways

  • CYP1A1 induction
  • AhR activation
  • 2:16 OH-estrone ratio

Effects

  • ↓16α-hydroxyestrone decreases
  • ↑2-hydroxyestrone increases

What the research supports

Improves 2:16 OH estrogen ratiomoderate
Reduces cyclical mastalgialimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
100–200 mg
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith fat
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Dark urine
  • Headache

Medication interactions

Hormonal contraceptivesmoderate

May reduce efficacy via CYP induction.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: DIM (Diindolylmethane) — Improves 2:16 OH estrogen ratio ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching DIM (Diindolylmethane) and "Improves 2:16 OH estrogen ratio". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: DIM (Diindolylmethane) — Reduces cyclical mastalgia ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching DIM (Diindolylmethane) and "Reduces cyclical mastalgia". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: DIM (Diindolylmethane) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching DIM (Diindolylmethane) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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