DIM - brands, dosages, opinions, etc.

**alpinist** · 03-29-2013, 10:04 PM

Currently I'm using Arimidex to control my E2 but am concerned about long term sides/issues. I have a friend that gets good results with DIM. Anyone else using DIM? Pros and cons of Arimidex vs. trying DIM?

Thanks

**HRTstudent** · 03-30-2013, 12:05 AM

Anastrozole/arimidex long term effects are unknown.

Personally, I do not want to be on it long term, but I have no other non-Rx options that can aggressively treat rapid aromatization. For many people who only aromatize a little, there are viable herbal options I believe.

I used DIM successfully for short term (daily) relief of elevated Estradiol. I made my own stuff using a DIM powder and dosed my caps at around 220mg. Very effective. I never tried to replace it for my anastrozole, but part of that is because anastrozole is cheaper since my insurance covers it. If money was not as strong a consideration for me, I would give DIM a shot.

The only other documented con I see to anastrozole/arimidex is that if you suppressed your E2 for too long that has serious health detriments. But that's why getting blood work is crucial -- so you avoid that. Some people do report they feel subjectively worse on anastrozole regardless of estradiol levels; I would not discount this possibility.

**Rusty11** · 03-30-2013, 09:15 AM

I'm not sure what to make of DIM. My doc doesn't do sensitive e2 test-only regular test. One month e2 was 48 (range 7-42 I think). I bought DIM and took 100mg/day. Three months later, I was at 24. Then, I read over and over on this board that regular e2 is worthless and geared towards women. So, I'm completely confused. I went to labcorp and got the sensitive e2 test. Level was 35(range 3-70). So, did the DIM help me? I don't know. But now, I just take one every other day. Can't hurt.

**ctenosaura** · 03-30-2013, 09:31 AM

Is aromasin a safer alternative? I heard its not as hard on your system? Correct me if I'm wrong

**alpinist** · 03-30-2013, 10:13 AM

Rusty, so the first two E2 tests were not sensitive? You're at 35 now with 100 mg of DIM e/o day? What's the rest of your protocol?

**Rusty11** · 03-30-2013, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by alpinist

Rusty, so the first two E2 tests were not sensitive? You're at 35 now with 100 mg of DIM e/o day? What's the rest of your protocol?

Yes, first two were non-sensitive.
Yes, sensitive test was 35. This was on two tubes (10g) of testim + 100iu hcg / day. Both TT and free T were over the top range. For the past three months, I've lowered the testim by a half tube, kept the same hcg dosage/day + 100mg DIM e/o day. Bw will be in another month.

**Pale1** · 03-30-2013, 10:56 AM

I blend some bulk powders together & take throughout the day. I'll PM you the source if you're interested. Here is my recipe for a 4 month supply:
Avena Sativa 50 Grams (1)
DIM 20 Grams (3)
Saw Palmetto 100 Grams (1)
Chrysin 50 Grams (2)
Nettle Root 100 Grams (2)
Bioprene (1)

**Rusty11** · 03-30-2013, 02:51 PM

Wow...I need to do some googling. Never heard of a couple of those. What does this combo do for you?

**sandrat62** · 03-30-2013, 09:50 PM

I took an OTC called DIM-Avail. I believe it worked for me (almost too good) and I have 2BW 6wks apart to confirms this (post: An open book) if you want to see the labwork

**HRTstudent** · 03-31-2013, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by Rusty11

I'm not sure what to make of DIM. My doc doesn't do sensitive e2 test-only regular test. One month e2 was 48 (range 7-42 I think). I bought DIM and took 100mg/day. Three months later, I was at 24. Then, I read over and over on this board that regular e2 is worthless and geared towards women. So, I'm completely confused. I went to labcorp and got the sensitive e2 test. Level was 35(range 3-70). So, did the DIM help me? I don't know. But now, I just take one every other day. Can't hurt.

Sounds like it absolutely worked for you.

**Rusty11** · 03-31-2013, 01:57 PM

HRT....not wanting to ruffle any feathers, but do you think the basic estradiol test is sufficient enough to get a "reliable" score-meaning, it's good enough, unless you want pin point accuracy?

**powerlifterty16** · 03-31-2013, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by ctenosaura

Is aromasin a safer alternative? I heard its not as hard on your system? Correct me if I'm wrong

ive heard this as well but it raises growth hormone which is dangerous

**Vinman** · 03-31-2013, 09:35 PM

I've used Dim for the past few years with not too much success. I still use it, as well as Arimidex (not even sure why I even bother using Dim anymore, tbh)

**alpinist** · 03-31-2013, 10:59 PM

Vinman, what's your protocol and stats?

**Vinman** · 04-01-2013, 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by alpinist

Vinman, what's your protocol and stats?

Hey brother, I enjoyed reading your thread !!

Since coming onto the forum and learning more than what my doctor seems to know, I have changed my protocol up to something similar to GD. Test Cyp 75 mgs twice per week, HCG 250 IU's twice a week and Arimidex .25 mg twice per week. I am also taking 50 mg's micronized Pregnenolone and DHEA per day as well as one Dim-Supreme per day.

I just did my BW today, and will post the results in a few weeks when I see my Doc.

**alpinist** · 04-02-2013, 06:14 PM

Your protocol is similar to my current. 50 T Cyp 2x week, 250iu HCG 3x week (just went from 2 to 3), .25mg Arimidex 2x week, Preg & DHEA. Just started 100mg DIM yesterday. I'll report back here and in my thread in 4 weeks after BW.

**HRTstudent** · 04-03-2013, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by Rusty11

HRT....not wanting to ruffle any feathers, but do you think the basic estradiol test is sufficient enough to get a "reliable" score-meaning, it's good enough, unless you want pin point accuracy?

If it's all you can get or all you have to work with, then work with it I say.

In the future, if you CAN then yes, opt for the sensitive assay. But not everyone can do that. So if that's the case then just get the same test and stick with it so you can obtain useful data to correlate with your symptoms.

Sometimes you have to make-do with the tools available, even if they aren't the best tool for the job.

**Vinman** · 04-03-2013, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by HRTstudent

If it's all you can get or all you have to work with, then work with it I say.

In the future, if you CAN then yes, opt for the sensitive assay. But not everyone can do that. So if that's the case then just get the same test and stick with it so you can obtain useful data to correlate with your symptoms.

Sometimes you have to make-do with the tools available, even if they aren't the best tool for the job.

as I learned on Monday when I went to get my BW done at a Quest lab, make sure the script says ULTRA sensitive assay, otherwise, you will be there for awhile, while they look thru their charts to find out wtf sensitive assay is

**LT75** · 04-03-2013, 07:31 PM

Like I have stated before in a couple threads. I am on 125mg of cyp a week. I take purus labs "recycle" and 200mg of grape seed extract a day. My sensitive has been at 20 for the past 6 months. I actually want it to go up a little to around 30. So I might cut back on one of them.

**bluskiblacdeth** · 04-03-2013, 07:45 PM

Just started DIM, Zinc and Calcium Clucinate after talking to my doc about some of my emotions I've had the last couple of days. This is what he recommends, we'll see what happens.