Hashimoto's is the most common, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing chronic inflammation. Surprisingly, most thyroid problems in the United States are due to autoimmune diseases-primarily Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. Other possible reasons for more autoimmunity in women include the hormonal shifts that occur throughout a woman's reproductive life, including puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Therefore, there is a greater risk of mutations in women (whose chromosomes are XX) than in men (XY). This is multifactorial, but one of the leading theories is that the X chromosome carries more immune-related genes. Women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases compared to men. We don't fully know why women are more likely to experience thyroid issues, but one explanation lies in autoimmunity. This suggests that there is potentially an estrogenic component to thyroid problems. And what is more, one in eight women will have a thyroid problem in her life. Indeed, women are five to eight times more likely to have a thyroid problem than men. But one of the more intriguing things about thyroid diseases is that they disproportionally favor women. So far, research has yet to confirm a relationship between DIM and the thyroid. Still, there is potential for further research in these subject areas. No human studies can confirm its effectiveness for the above issues. Decreasing hot flash severity in menopause.While its role is unclear, some research suggests that DIM may also stop cancer cell growth in the prostate gland. When 2-hydroxyestrone is increased and 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone is suppressed, it may have anti-tumor effects in women with breast cancer.Īnother potential use for DIM is that it may convert testosterone to estrogen by suppressing the aromatase enzyme. It may also diminish the effects of a more potent estrogen (16 alpha -hydroxyestrone), associated with certain cancers, including breast and uterine cancer. For this reason, (and because eating too many cruciferous vegetables can adversely affect your GI tract and thyroid), DIM supplements are preferable to eating too many cruciferous vegetables daily.Ĭurrent research suggests that DIM affects estrogen levels by stimulating the production of 2-hydroxyestrone, a beneficial form of this hormone.

However, at this point, we do not know how these factors affect DIM concentrations. Several factors influence the amount of DIM produced, including the type of cruciferous vegetable consumed, its age, and how it is stored and prepared. Goitrogens are naturally occurring plant-based compounds that can interfere with normal thyroid functioning. Cruciferous veggies may also have a goitrogenic effect on the thyroid gland, meaning they may cause the thyroid gland to enlarge (or become a goiter). While these veggies have many health-promoting benefits, they can also cause problems for the gut, such as bloating. While this relationship is still needing further scientific exploration, current research suggests that indole-3-carbinol (and subsequently DIM) is what may be behind these findings.Ī person must consume many cruciferous vegetables to likely get the positive effects of DIM. Observational studies show that eating a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables may help balance estrogen levels and reduce your risk for certain cancers, including breast and prostate. When we eat leafy greens like broccoli or sprouts, stomach acid breaks down indole-3-carbinol to make DIM. Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a compound made in our digestive tract from the breakdown of cruciferous vegetables.

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