Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that affects mood, energy levels, and physical well-being. Unlike PMS, PMDD symptoms are intense enough to interfere with daily life, causing severe mood swings, depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Healthcare providers working with patients who experience PMDD may benefit from incorporating certain supplements. Pellecome offers high-quality products, including our DIM I3C supplement, which is formulated to support estrogen metabolism and hormonal stability. Dr. Enrique Jacome, a board-certified OB-GYN, founded Pellecome to give healthcare providers reliable options for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and supplements.
Hormonal Imbalances and PMDD
PMDD symptoms occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen and progesterone fluctuate before menstruation.
Estrogen dominance – when estrogen is high relative to progesterone – can overstimulate serotonin receptors, contributing to severe mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. As estrogen levels drop before menstruation, serotonin levels can become unstable and cause depressive symptoms.1
Beyond its effects on mood, hormonal imbalance also contributes to inflammation, fatigue, and skin issues. Androgens, including testosterone, can become more pronounced as estrogen drops. This leads to increased sebum production and inflammation, which may worsen acne.2
Supporting estrogen metabolism may help create a more balanced hormonal environment, potentially reducing these symptoms in patients.
How DIM I3C Supports Hormonal Balance
DIM and I3C, found naturally in cruciferous vegetables, support estrogen metabolism by increasing the conversion of estrogen into 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE), which is associated with lower estrogenic activity. This process also reduces 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16-OHE), a metabolite linked to heightened cell activity and inflammation.3
By influencing estrogen metabolism, DIM I3C may help stabilize hormone levels and reduce PMDD symptoms. Possible benefits of DIM I3C for PMDD include:
- Mood regulation: May support serotonin balance to help ease mood swings, anxiety, and irritability.4
- Hormonal balance: Promotes the conversion of estrogen into a more stable form, potentially reducing bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue.3
- Reduced inflammation: Helps regulate androgen activity, which may decrease acne breakouts and improve skin health.2
Why Healthcare Providers Should Consider DIM I3C for PMDD
PMDD requires a multifaceted approach to treatment, and supporting estrogen metabolism may be a valuable tool for managing symptoms.
DIM I3C works alongside BHRT and other therapies to promote hormonal balance, and it may be a beneficial addition to treatment plans for patients struggling with severe premenstrual symptoms.
Pellecome’s DIM I3C supplement is formulated to high-quality standards, ensuring healthcare providers have a reliable option for hormonal support. For more information on becoming a Pellecome provider, contact Pellecome at 888-773-9969.
- Hantsoo L, Payne JL. Towards understanding the biology of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: From genes to GABA. Neurosci Biobehav Rev [Internet]. 2023;149(105168):105168. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105168
- Ghosh S, Chaudhuri S, Jain VK, Aggarwal K. Profiling and hormonal therapy for acne in women. Indian J Dermatol [Internet]. 2014;59(2):107–15. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.127667
- Rajoria S, Suriano R, Parmar PS, Wilson YL, Megwalu U, Moscatello A, et al. 3,3’-diindolylmethane modulates estrogen metabolism in patients with thyroid proliferative disease: a pilot study. Thyroid [Internet]. 2011;21(3):299–304. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/thy.2010.0245
- Singh AA, Yadav D, Khan F, Song M. Indole-3-carbinol and its derivatives as neuroprotective modulators. Brain Sci [Internet]. 2024;14(7):674. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14070674
