Proper estrogen metabolism is a crucial factor in the ongoing balance of hormones within the body and in optimizing health outcomes. The initial estrogen detoxification step in the liver creates the metabolites 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1), 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OHE1) and 16-hydroxyestrone (16-OHE1). Although there are many stages of estrogen elimination, this first step is critical because each metabolite has unique actions in the body. The ratio of these compounds has immense health implications.

Indole-3-carbinol (I-3-C) is naturally found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower and it is well-known for its ability to support healthy estrogen metabolism. I-3-C upregulates the production of 2-OHE1, the protective form of estrogen that acts as an estrogen antagonist. 16-OHE1, on the other hand, has potent estrogenic and proliferative effects that oppose the action of 2-OHE1. Research has repeatedly shown that a higher ratio of 2-OHE1 to 16-OHE1 is protective against disease and desirable for improving symptoms in estrogen dominant conditions. I-3-C improves this ratio of estrogen metabolites.

Numerous trials have shown that this positive shift in estrogen metabolites, as a result of I-3-C supplementation, is advantageous for health outcomes. For example, I-3-C has been shown to improve outcomes in women with cervical disease, with a dose-dependent response for estrogen ratios and CIN severity regression. Animal studies have also found that I-3-C can prevent unhealthy cellular differentiation in breast tissue.

Not only does I-3-C promote a positive estrogen metabolite ratio, but it additionally influences the expression of multiple genes, such as tumor-suppressing gene p53 and BRCA1, that collectively support the healthy differentiation of hormonally sensitive tissues.

I-3-C is naturally metabolized in the body to provide multiple active compounds, including the predominant metabolite diindolylmethane (D-I-M). Although debate exists regarding whether D-I-M or I-3-C is most beneficial as a health supplement, each compound has its advantages. D-I-M is the primary metabolite of I-3-C, yet it is not the only metabolite. I-3-C provides the body with all active metabolites and it remains a well-researched and effective treatment for the proper regulation of estrogens in the body.

Cyto-Matrix’s I-3-C contains 200mg of pure indole-3-carbinol in each vegetable capsule, with 120 vegetable capsules per bottle for targeted and ongoing hormonal support.