Diindolylmethane
Pronunciation: (dye-IN-doll-ill-METH-ane).
- Generic name
- Diindolylmethane
- Brand names
- DIM Extra, EstroSmart, DIM-Pro, DIM 200, DIM Active, DIM Ultra
- Drug class
- Nutraceutical / Phytochemical
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Diindolylmethane is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Diindolylmethane works
DIM modulates estrogen metabolism by promoting the conversion of estradiol to less potent metabolites, such as 2-hydroxyestrone, and reducing the formation of 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone. This shift may result in a more favorable estrogen profile and reduced estrogenic stimulation of tissues. DIM also exhibits anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory properties, and may influence cell cycle regulation and apoptosis in hormone-sensitive tissues. (1)
What Diindolylmethane is used for
Cancer prevention
Cancer prevention (1)
Hormonal balance
Hormonal balance (1)
Before taking Diindolylmethane
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to DIM or its components. (Contraindication) (1)
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless benefits outweigh risks. (Contraindication) (1)
Tell your clinician about
(1)How to take Diindolylmethane
- General Instructions: Take DIM exactly as directed on the product label or by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult doses range from 100 mg to 300 mg daily, divided into one or two doses. Dosing may vary based on the specific product and indication.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established. Use in children is not routinely recommended.. Administration: Take with food to minimize stomach upset. Swallow capsules or tablets whole with a full glass of water.. When To Stop: Consult your healthcare provider promptly if you experience serious side effects or allergic reactions, and follow their advice on whether to continue or stop.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule; do not take an extra dose to make up for it.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, or signs of liver toxicity. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Darkening of urine
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Skin rash
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hormonal imbalances
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Liver enzyme elevation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless prescribed — serious
Symptoms: Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless prescribed. May interact with hormone therapies or medications metabolized by the liver. Monitor for signs of liver dysfunction. Not a substitute for cancer treatment or hormone therapy. Consult your healthcare provider before starting if you have chronic health conditions.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to DIM or its components. Use with caution in patients with hormone-sensitive cancers, liver disease, or those on medications metabolized by CYP enzymes. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless benefits outweigh risks.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Signs of an allergic reaction can include breathing problems or wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, hives, dizziness or fainting, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or joint pain — serious
Symptoms: Signs of an allergic reaction can include breathing problems or wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, hives, dizziness or fainting, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or joint pain. Seek urgent medical care if any of these occur, and let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop DIM.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | DIM may interact with medications that are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system, including certain anticoagulants, antiepileptics, and hormone therapies. It may alter the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements and medications you are taking. | (1) |
| Tamoxifen and other chemotherapy agents | DIM's effect on estrogen metabolism may interact with tamoxifen and other cancer chemotherapy medications. If you are being treated for a hormone-sensitive cancer, tell your oncology team before using DIM. | (1) |
| Caffeine | DIM may reduce caffeine's effectiveness. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
It is not known if or how DIM could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Because of this uncertainty, DIM is not recommended during pregnancy unless a clinician specifically advises otherwise. (1)
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether DIM passes into breast milk. Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using DIM while breastfeeding. (1)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (1)
Renal_impairment
DIM is a dietary supplement, not an FDA-approved drug. Safety in people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established (WebMD/RxList supplement monograph); because DIM is hepatically metabolized and has complex hormonal interactions, people with significant liver or kidney impairment should not use it without medical supervision. (1)
Hepatic_impairment
DIM is a dietary supplement, not an FDA-approved drug. Safety in people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established (WebMD/RxList supplement monograph); because DIM is hepatically metabolized and has complex hormonal interactions, people with significant liver or kidney impairment should not use it without medical supervision. (1)
Monitoring
(1)Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Cancer prevention
Dose summary: 200-400 mg per day, taken in divided doses with meals
Renal context: Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a dietary supplement, not an FDA-approved drug, so no regulator-reviewed renal dose-adjustment table exists. Safety in people with significant renal impairment has not been established in the clinical literature reviewed for this page, so people with kidney disease should not use DIM without discussing it with their prescriber. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is DIM used for?
DIM is primarily used as a supplement to support hormone balance, particularly estrogen metabolism. It is also being studied for its potential benefits in prostate and breast health.
Is DIM safe to take daily?
DIM is generally considered safe for most adults when taken at recommended doses. However, long-term safety data are limited, and it should be used under medical supervision.
Can DIM help with weight loss?
There is limited evidence to support DIM for weight loss. Its main role is in hormone metabolism, which may indirectly affect weight in some individuals.
Does DIM interact with birth control pills?
Yes, DIM may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives by altering estrogen metabolism. Consult your healthcare provider before combining DIM with birth control.
Can men take DIM supplements?
Yes, men may use DIM to support healthy testosterone and estrogen balance, particularly for prostate health. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting.
What are the signs of a DIM overdose?
Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of liver toxicity such as yellowing of the skin or eyes. Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected.
Is DIM safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Use only if prescribed by a healthcare provider.
What happens if I take too much DIM (Diindolylmethane)?
Taking excessive amounts of DIM may lead to gastrointestinal upset, headaches, or skin rashes. In cases of suspected overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Always adhere to the recommended dosage provided by your healthcare provider or product label to ensure safety and efficacy.
Can I drink alcohol while taking DIM (Diindolylmethane)?
While there are no direct contraindications, alcohol consumption can impact liver function, which is involved in estrogen metabolism. As DIM influences estrogen pathways, it is generally advisable to moderate alcohol intake. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding alcohol consumption while taking DIM, especially if you have underlying liver conditions.
Is DIM (Diindolylmethane) safe during pregnancy?
DIM is categorized as 'Consult Doctor' during pregnancy. Due to insufficient research on its effects on fetal development, it is strongly advised to avoid DIM during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically recommended and supervised by a healthcare professional. Always discuss any supplements with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What is the mechanism of action of Diindolylmethane?
DIM modulates estrogen metabolism by promoting the conversion of estradiol to less potent metabolites, such as 2-hydroxyestrone, and reducing the formation of 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone. This shift may result in a more favorable estrogen profile and reduced estrogenic stimulation of tissues. DIM also exhibits anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory properties, and may influence cell cycle regulation and apoptosis in hormone-sensitive tissues. (1)
What is the generic name of Diindolylmethane?
The generic name is Diindolylmethane. It is sold under brand names including DIM Extra, EstroSmart, DIM-Pro, DIM 200, DIM Active, DIM Ultra.
What class of drug is Diindolylmethane?
Diindolylmethane is classed as: Nutraceutical / Phytochemical.
References
- DIM (Diindolylmethane) medicine recordMedGuideGlobal Clinician Team · United States · dated 2026 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Diindolylmethane — Vitamins & SupplementsWebMD · United States · dated 2026 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Diindolylmethane (DIM) — Ingredient MonographWebMD · United States · dated 2026 · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 3
- TEMPO BALANCE (DIINDOLYLMETHANE, BLACK PEPPER FRUIT EXTRACT, BROCCOLI EXTRACT, CALCIUM D-GLUCARATE) CAPSULE [PRONOVA CORPORATION] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Diindolylmethane — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1603521)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Diindolylmethane names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- BulkSupplements.comBulkSupplements.com
- Douglas LaboratoriesDouglas Laboratories
- Nature's WayNature's Way
- XYMOGENXYMOGEN
- Pure EncapsulationsPure Encapsulations
- Integrative TherapeuticsIntegrative Therapeutics
- NutriCologyNutriCology
- Source NaturalsSource Naturals
- Puritan's PridePuritan's Pride
- BioResponse NutrientsBioResponse Nutrients