Diindolylmethane has a wide spectrum of action on various body systems and organs. Diindolylmethane is found in a variety of vegetables, but is rich in cruciferous vegetables, meaning cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and brussels sprouts. Among the organs Diindolylmethane has a positive effect on, are the breast and prostate. It also has a beneficial effect on aging (slowing down the aging process) and menopause. However, one the most pronounced effects of this wonder compound is on the uterus.
So what has Diindolylmethane got to do with the uterus? For this, one must understand the structure and functioning of the uterus. The uterus consists primarily of 2 parts- the smooth muscle (involuntary muscle) which forms the bulk of the uterus and is called the myometrium, and the inner lining of the uterus- called the endometrium. Both these parts of the uterus are under the influence of the female hormones- estrogen and progesterone. From puberty to menopause these hormones cause the uterus to enlarge and prime it for its ultimate function- conception or pregnancy. The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes under the influence of estrogen and progesterone. The estrogenic effect causes the endometrium to thicken (called the proliferative phase) whilst progesterone causes the secretory phase. In the absence of pregnancy, the endometrium is shed during the menstrual phase of the female cycle. The myometrium or the muscular wall of the uterus also undergoes similar cyclical changes. It has been found that unfavorable estrogen metabolism is often the cause for most uterine pathologies. This means that the bad form of estrogen (16-hydroxy estrogen) dominates in many women with poor production of good estrogen (2-hydroxy estrogen). This imbalance of bad estrogen is the cause of diseases of the uterus like DUB or dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometriosis and uterine cancer. Extensive work by Dr. Michael Zeligs and his team have shown that the use of Diindolylmethane in small amounts can reverse this trend of estrogen dominance. They advocate the increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables as a means of countering the negative effects of bad estrogen on the uterus. In addition, where required, they recommend the use of Diindolylmethane supplements to prevent uterine diseases.
So when is this Diindolylmethane required? The period when women are most susceptible to uterine diseases like painful menses, fibroids (uterine muscle benign tumors) and cancers is during middle age. This is the period from 30 to 50, when Diindolylmethane supplementation is most effective. Given in the dose from 150 to 300 mg. once or twice daily is found to be useful in controlling and preventing many of these conditions. Along with Diindolylmethane , the use of soy isoflavones is also found to be useful. Diindolylmethane is found to cause the death of cancer cells in some women and in others, to prevent the spread of uterine cancer. In most women, Diindolylmethane is effective in controlling the symptoms of painful menses and fibroids.
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