Information only — not marketing · Not evaluated by SAHPRA · Consult a healthcare professional
← Back to Learn
DIM and estrogen metabolism, explained
DIM is a metabolite of broccoli, kale and cabbage. It nudges estrogen down a healthier metabolic pathway. Here's what that means.
Hormones · 5 min read
The estrogen pathway problem
Estrogen doesn't just exist as one thing in your body. Once your body finishes with it, it gets metabolised down one of three pathways: 2-hydroxy (favourable), 4-hydroxy (less favourable), and 16-hydroxy (mixed).
What DIM does
DIM (diindolylmethane), formed in the stomach from indole-3-carbinol in cruciferous vegetables, encourages the 2-hydroxy pathway. It also gently modulates aromatase — the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen.
Who benefits
- Cyclical skin breakouts that track with your period
- Mood swings tied to the luteal phase
- Estrogen-dominant symptoms (heavy periods, breast tenderness)
- Men managing aromatisation on TRT (with clinician supervision)
Realistic timeline
DIM is gentle. Give it 8–12 weeks of consistent daily use to assess. If nothing has changed by week 12, it's probably not your lever.