What does DIM do to estrogen in women using patches?
The impact of 3,3’-diindolylmethane on estradiol and estrogen metabolism in postmenopausal women using a transdermal estradiol patch
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
DIM significantly reduced total urinary estrogen by 15% in women using transdermal estradiol—despite the estrogen coming from a patch, which bypasses the liver.
Transdermal estrogen was thought to avoid first-pass liver metabolism, making it less vulnerable to enzyme-inducing supplements. That DIM still altered metabolite levels suggests systemic effects beyond oral metabolism.
Practical Takeaways
If you're on transdermal estrogen and taking DIM, talk to your doctor about whether your hormone levels are being monitored and if your symptoms are fully controlled.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
DIM significantly reduced total urinary estrogen by 15% in women using transdermal estradiol—despite the estrogen coming from a patch, which bypasses the liver.
Transdermal estrogen was thought to avoid first-pass liver metabolism, making it less vulnerable to enzyme-inducing supplements. That DIM still altered metabolite levels suggests systemic effects beyond oral metabolism.
Practical Takeaways
If you're on transdermal estrogen and taking DIM, talk to your doctor about whether your hormone levels are being monitored and if your symptoms are fully controlled.
Publication
Journal
Menopause (New York, N.y.)
Year
2025
Authors
Mark S Newman, Jaclyn Smeaton
Related Content
Claims (6)
Taking DIM supplements might lower estrogen levels in postmenopausal women who use estrogen patches — one study found their urine had less estrogen when taking DIM.
Postmenopausal women who use a supplement called DIM while on estrogen patches tend to have lower levels of a certain estrogen byproduct in their urine — about 23% lower — which might mean their bodies are processing the hormone differently.
Taking DIM supplements might help boost a certain healthy estrogen process in postmenopausal women who use estrogen patches — one study found their urine had 24% more of a specific marker linked to this process.
If postmenopausal women using estrogen patches also take a supplement called DIM, it might change how their body processes estrogen—lowering some types linked to higher risk and raising others that may be safer.
Taking DIM supplements might lower a certain estrogen byproduct in the urine of postmenopausal women who use estrogen patches — one study found levels were 22% lower in those taking DIM.