Have hot flashes become a part of your life? If you are experiencing this common symptom while in the throes of perimenopause or menopause, you are definitely not alone. Yet having plenty of company doesn’t bring much in the form of relief. Perhaps you can DIM your hot flashes. 

What is DIM?

DIM, also known as diindolylmethane, is a compound that the body produces when it metabolizes a substance called indole-3-carbinol, which is found in broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables. If eating lots of broccoli and kale is not on your agenda, then you can find DIM in supplement form as well.

DIM has the ability to promote hormone metabolism and support estrogen/progesterone balance. It can accomplish this in two ways. One is by blocking the enzyme that transforms testosterone into estrogen, which can help reduce the risk of estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance is common in the hormonal transition years and is associated with symptoms common to this life phase, including fatigue, breast tenderness, insomnia, headaches, mood swings, weight gain, depression, anxiety, and bloating.

Another way is by diverting damaging estrogen metabolites to the beneficial estrogen metabolic pathway during the first phase of estrogen metabolism. This action reduces the risk of the “bad” metabolites causing damage to DNA and thus the risk of cancer.

Research has also shown that DIM may stimulate the production of 2-hydroxyestrone, a beneficial and less potent form of estrogen that can help reduce estrogen dominance.

DIM and hot flashes

Although no scientific studies have provided evidence that DIM can relieve hot flashes, this supplement has demonstrated an ability to relieve other menopausal symptoms. Anecdotal reports support its use for hot flash relief. 

However, if you have low estrogen—even if you have estrogen dominance—then taking DIM may aggravate hot flashes because it will lower your estrogen levels even further.

How to use DIM

We are big fans of getting nutrients and natural remedies from foods when it’s feasible, and in the case of DIM, cruciferous vegetables are highly recommended. However, a DIM supplement is suggested in addition to your menu choices to support symptom relief. Buy Morphus DIM in our store.

No standard dose of DIM has been established, although 100 mg daily is commonly suggested. Consult with your healthcare provider before using this supplement or take it according to package directions. To improve absorption, take a DIM supplement that also contains medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oils and vitamin E (tocotrienols) or black pepper fruit extract. 

Because DIM supplements act as a detox agent by extracting excess estrogens from cells and eliminating them into the bloodstream, you may experience some temporary mild side effects. These may include headaches, fatigue, and brain fog.

Bottom line

Hot flashes during perimenopause and menopause can be highly disruptive and uncomfortable. Among the various natural relief measures for these flashes is DIM.