← All supplements
Limited evidenceWomen's health

Estrogen Detox Formulas

DIM, indole-3-carbinol and calcium D-glucarate blends sold to help the body clear excess oestrogen. They do measurably shift a urinary oestrogen-metabolite ratio in trials; whether that shift produces any symptom or health benefit has never been demonstrated.

Where to buy

View on iHerb

Ships to 180+ countries · welcome discount for new customers

Referral link — this site may earn a commission on purchases.

What the science says

  • Shifts the 2:16 hydroxyestrone ratio Moderate evidence

    A randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial in 148 premenopausal women found a nutraceutical containing indole-3-carbinol and green tea catechins raised the urinary 2-OHE1:16α-OHE1 ratio substantially versus placebo over 12 weeks. A separate 12-month randomized trial of BR-DIM in 130 women on tamoxifen also raised the ratio and increased SHBG.

  • Biomarker change has not translated into outcomes Limited evidence

    In that same tamoxifen trial, DIM produced no change in breast density by mammography or MRI, and it reduced plasma levels of active tamoxifen metabolites including endoxifen. Moving a surrogate marker is not the same as improving health, and here it came with a plausible harm.

  • Results are not consistent across trials Limited evidence

    A randomized double-blind trial of 75 mg DIM daily for 30 days in 60 premenopausal women failed to raise the oestrogen metabolite ratio at its primary endpoint. Dose, duration and population all appear to matter, and none of them are settled.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTrials used 100–300 mg per day of bioavailable DIM (BR-DIM at 150 mg twice daily in the tamoxifen study), or indole-3-carbinol around 300–400 mg daily. Calcium D-glucarate, common in these blends, has no human efficacy trials at any dose.
SafetyReported effects include nausea, headache, darkened urine and, at high doses, transient changes in mood or menstrual pattern. Important interaction: DIM lowered active tamoxifen metabolites in a randomized trial, so avoid it if you take tamoxifen. Cruciferous compounds also induce CYP1A2, which can affect several drugs. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and speak to an oncologist before use with any hormone-sensitive cancer.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter; split into two doses if you use the higher end of the range.
With food?Take it with a meal containing fat — DIM is fat-soluble and absorption is poor without it.
Worth knowingHarmlessly darkened orange-brown urine is common and is not a sign the product is working.

Interactions

With medications

  • tamoxifen

    In a randomized trial, DIM lowered levels of tamoxifen's active metabolites, which could reduce the drug's protection. Do not take DIM while on tamoxifen

  • drugs cleared by CYP1A2, such as theophylline, clozapine and olanzapine

    Cruciferous compounds induce CYP1A2 and can lower blood levels of these drugs. Do not combine without your prescriber checking drug levels

  • hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy

    These products are sold specifically to change oestrogen metabolism, which may alter how much active hormone you retain. Discuss with your prescriber before combining

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Do estrogen detox supplements work?

Estrogen detox blends with DIM or indole-3-carbinol measurably shift a urinary estrogen-metabolite ratio (moderate evidence), but no benefit for symptoms or health has ever been demonstrated. Even that shift was not consistent: one trial of 75 mg DIM daily failed at its primary endpoint.

Can you take DIM with tamoxifen?

No. In a randomized trial, DIM lowered levels of tamoxifen's active metabolites, including endoxifen, which could reduce the drug's protection, and it did not change breast density.

How much DIM per day?

Trials used 100–300 mg per day of bioavailable DIM, or indole-3-carbinol around 300–400 mg daily; take it with a fat-containing meal. Calcium D-glucarate, common in estrogen detox blends, has no human efficacy trials at any dose.

Does DIM change urine color?

Yes, DIM commonly causes harmlessly darkened, orange-brown urine, which is not a sign the estrogen detox blend is working. Other reported effects include nausea and headache.

Scientific references

Related in Women's health