DIM Plus-----Carla and Edith, Part II

February 29, 2004

Dear Gloria:

Many thanks for sharing your insight and experiences with us. I am 49 and

perimenopausal: I've had irregular periods for the past year or so, since my

UAE in 1/03. I just wanted to share that I have many similar issues that you

noted. I have always had a weight problem with yo-yo dieting, years of being

heavy then thinner, back and forth - most recently lost 40 lbs. via low carbs

and have kept it off for these past 2 years. Between 4-5 years ago, I began to

experience hair loss, which is still continuing nowadays (top of head) - an

overall thinning. (I've been to 2 dermatologists and neither could help, other

than to recommend (men's strength) 5% Rogaine (too scared to use it after the

package says " not for women " )! I have seen, also over the last 3-4 years, some

facial hair growth which I've (so far) been able to keep in check by snipping

and tweezing. All my meno / hormonal bloodwork came out " normal. " (What's

really " normal " anyway)? Anyway - my question for everyone who is using the

DIM, CDG and others (I'm also using Vitex, Shiitake Mushrooms, Maitake Mushrooms

and Essiac Tea): I started all these herbs/supplements back in early December

'03 - and I haven't had a period for almost 3 months. Since my bloodwork did

not indicate I was anywhere near meno (at least according to my gyn), could the

stopping of the periods be related to menopause or any ONE or combination of

these herbs/supplements? Sorry for being so wordy, but I wonder if anyone else

has similar symptoms and is taking herbs or supplements. Thanks for any ideas

and input. Edie

----------------------------------------------------

(from Gloria)-

" The first few weeks I used DIM, I was taking one pill twice a day

before going to the intensive level of two pills twice a day. I can

defend experimenting with the higher level by pointing out that I am

obese and have a lifetime problem with estrogen dominance and PCOS.

Even before my weight reached the point where I'm at now, 220 lbs., I

had these problems. My estrogen has always been excessive enough to

repress the action of progesterone so I figure if I use an estrogen

metabolizer or progesterone cream, I may require more than thinner

women. It is interesting, Carla, that you point out the anti-

androgenic effects of DIM. I did not know that and will definitely be

reading PubMed to learn more. See, one of my less attractive PCOS

symptoms is facial hair which I've had since the age of 19. Since

taking DIM, I notice that the facial hair grows back more slowly

after shaving in the AM than before using it. I won't lose the hair

but the rate of growth is slowed as the evening shadow across the

face is less noticeable. Even the overnight growth seems less to me. "

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