(Scroll down for Parts 1 – 4)
Part 5: A Powerful Solution for Estrogen Dominance – What is DIM – Diidolymethane
Diindolylmethane, or DIM, is a phytochemical produced during the digestion of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. Besides eating these vegetables, you can obtain DIM through supplements.
- Studies such as one from the British Journal of Cancer show compounds found in cruciferous vegetables target specific breast cancer genes. British Journal of Cancer, (2006) 94; 407-426.
- Findings suggest that low concentrations of DIM protect cells against oxidative stress via the tumor suppressor BRCA1 by several distinct mechanisms. [Cancer Res 2009;69(15):6083–91]
- DIM promotes beneficial estrogen metabolism and healthy hormonal balance and is especially helpful for managing estrogen dominant conditions. Healthy metabolism of estrogens optimizes the ratio of estrogen metabolites that is crucial for breast, uterine, cervical, and prostate health.
- DIM is a powerful modulator of the immune response system, according to the DIM Resource Center, affiliated with the University of California at Berkeley. DIM shows potential as a therapy for viral infections, including the humanpapilloma virus, known as HPV; the human immunodeficiency virus, known as HIV; hepatitis and influenza. It also may be helpful against bacterial infections, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and skin disorders such as acne.
DIM may help:
- Fibrocystic diseases
- Fibromyalgia
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroid tumors
- Ovarian cysts
- Irregular periods
- Chronic, recurring breast pain
- PCOS (polycystic ovaries syndrome)
Supplementing with DIM provides the amount of indoles equivalent to eating 3 pounds of broccoli per day and can effectively shift the balance of sex hormones.
For more information about DIM, click here to purchase the book: All About DIM, by Michael A. Zeligs, M.D. and A. Scott Connelly, M.D.
Breast Research Awareness and Support offers these products that contain DIM:
EstroPro, Hair Effects, and Liver Clear.
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Part 4: Estrogen Dominance – What It is & Steps to Bring Balance
In this series, we are covering the importance of female hormone balance for good health and vital immune system. We understand that one of the ways hormone balance can be thrown off is by environmental issues – endocrine disruptors that mimic female hormone function in the human body with detrimental results. (See Part 2 below.)
One prevalent type of hormone imbalance is called Estrogen Dominance; that is our topic for this part of the “The Beauty of Balance – The Importance of Hormone Balance for Your Breast Health.”
Signs of Estrogen Dominance include:
- Hair Loss
- Infertility
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Insomnia
- Osteoporosis
- Polycystic ovaries
- Premenopausal bone loss
- Uterine cancer
- Uterine fibroids
- Water retention, bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Cervical dysplasia
- Cold hands and feet due to thyroid dysfunction
- Low or absent libido
- Early onset of menstruation
- Endometrial (uterine) cancer
- Fat gain, especially around the abdomen, hips and thighs
- Fibrocystic breast
Testing for estrogen dominance is available from your physician or through John R. Lee, M.D.
Managing Estrogen Dominance can be accomplished through:
- Diet and Detox to help the Liver do its job
- Stress Management – making choices for serenity
- Limiting Exposure to Encocrine Disruptors (See Parts 2 and 3 below)
- Limiting Exposure to Harmful Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMF’s)
An important supplement that is shown to address the issue of Estrogen Dominance is called Diindolylmethane, or DIM, is a phytochemical produced during the digestion of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. Besides eating these vegetables, you can obtain DIM through supplements. Recent studies such as one from the British Journal of Cancer show compounds found in cruciferous vegetables target specific breast cancer genes. British Journal of Cancer, (2006) 94; 407-426.
Findings suggest that low concentrations of DIM protect cells against oxidative stress via the tumor suppressor BRCA1 by several distinct mechanisms. [Cancer Res 2009;69(15):6083–91]
DIM promotes beneficial estrogen metabolism and healthy hormonal balance and is especially helpful for managing estrogen dominant conditions. Healthy metabolism of estrogens optimizes the ratio of estrogen metabolites that is crucial for breast, uterine, cervical, and prostate health.
Ensuring that your body is able to adequately detoxify itself of used hormones is a crucial part of re-establishing healthy hormone balance. When hormones are not adequately detoxified, they may recirculate in the body, further contributing to this type of female hormone imbalance called estrogen dominance.
Breast Research Awareness and Support offers 4 products that contain DIM:
EstroPro, EstroPro Complex, Hair Effects, and Liver Clear.
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Part 3: The “Dirty Dozen” of Endocrine Disruptors & How to Avoid Them
Click here for special 28 page report > The Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disruptors.’ (Be patient, it may take a bit of time to download!)
Perhaps we could call them our “bosom-buddies”: special thanks to the Keep a Breast Foundation and Environmental Working Group for issuing this report. Here is solid information on not only the chemicals that mimic our hormones to throw them out of balance, but more importantly, practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure to them.
In the next part of our March report, Breast Research Awareness and Support will explore Estrogen Dominance, a type of female hormone imbalance.
Breast Research Awareness and Support offers 4 products that address women’s hormone balance:
EstroPro, EstroPro Complex, Hair Effects, and Liver Clear.
Part 2: Endocrine Disruptors – The Chemical Saboteurs of Your Hormone Balance
(This excellent documentary reveals details about Endocrine Disruptors: “Our Chemical Lives”.)
- Lowered fertility
- Increased incidence of endometriosis
- Increased incidence of some cancers
How do endocrine disruptors work?
From animal studies, researchers have learned much about the mechanisms through which endocrine disruptors influence the endocrine system and alter hormonal functions.
When absorbed in the body, an endocrine disruptor can decrease or increase normal hormone levels (left), mimic the body’s natural hormones (middle), or alter the natural production of hormones (right). Read more at the National Institute of Health Sciences website.
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Part 1: Getting to Know About Hormones: Your Mighty Messengers
Hormones are chemical messengers that are secreted directly into the blood by the ductless glands that make up the endocrine system. Hormones are carried by the blood to organs and tissues of the body to exert their functions. There are many types of hormones that act on different aspects of bodily functions and processes. Some of these include:
- Development and growth
- Metabolism of food items
- Sexual function and reproductive growth and health
- Cognitive function and mood
- Maintenance of body temperature and thirst
The glands of the endocrine system are: Pituitary, Pineal, Thymus, Thyroid, Adrenal, Pancreas, Testes, and Ovaries. There are four hormones that are essential for life; all human hormones contribute to our health and well being in myriad ways. [1]
Hormonal balance refers to the healthiest, most beneficial mix of all your hormonal messages. It is the key to health and wellness in general, to achieving your peak physical conditioning, even contributing to fruitful relationships. The best hormonal balance can help you stay healthy, resist aging, heal faster – all qualities we attribute to health and wellness.
The glands mentioned above secrete hormone in microscopic amounts and it takes only very small amounts to bring about major changes in the body. Even a very slight excess of hormone secretion can lead to disease states, as can the slightest deficiency in a hormone.
To get an idea of what a delicate balance this is, here’s an illustration: think of all the fluid in your body as 20 freight car loads. Then, (depending on your gender and age) add 8 drops of estrogen, 6 drops of progesterone, 2 drops of testosterone, 1 drop of oxitocin, and so on. Got the picture? It is incredibly easy in today’s toxic environment for our hormones, our ‘mighty messengers’ to get out of balance, that is out of proper ratio to each other.
Hormonal imbalance can result in inefficient metabolism, inappropriate cell growth, and the survival of abnormal cells that can lead to cancer, and other chronic diseases. With today’s discoveries, you are provided with knowledge to take action regarding this essential aspect of your health in general, and ladies, your breast health specifically.
In the next portion of this series, we are going to share with you a key supplement ingredient that contributes to a better metabolism in the most natural way possible by working with your own hormones and adjusting their action to avoid hormonal imbalance! Stay tuned!
Breast Research Awareness and Support offers 4 products that address women’s hormone balance:
EstroPro, EstroPro Complex, Hair Effects, and Liver Clear.