Anyone else taking Indole-3-Carbinol to control estrogen levels

Aussiemumof2

When I finish my 4 x AC treatments, followed by 3 months of CMF, my onc wants to put me on Tamoxifen for a year, followed by Arimidex.  I am very active &hope to be after the treatment finishes but am very reluctent to try the hormone treatment advised by onc. I am worried about the SE's & am trying to work out alternatives which will benefit me the most.

My GP has put me on Indole-3-Carbinol & is monitoring my hormone levels, but after only 1 blood test since beginning AC my estrogen levels are still high, Plus I'm still getting periods which shows my ovaries haven't been hit by the AC yet. Has anyone had success at using the I-3-C for a length of time & had lowered estrogent levels as a result.

Thanks Vicki

dlb823

Hi, Vicki ~ There are quite a few of us on the "Natural Girls" thread who use I3C and/or DIM.  There's also a discussion thread entitled "DIM," which has a lot of information on both supplements, since a few of us have switched back and forth.  I'm using I3C in lieu of Tamox or an A/I, but I'm postmenopausal.  My estrogen level on I3C has been <10, but I obviously don't have as much estrogen to start with as someone who is pre menopause.  But do check out those other threads for additional information.   Deanna

Anonymous

I was afraid of the hormone treatments so I decide to change my eating completely and take supplements. One supplement I take is Indole - 800mg daily.

I had my ovaries removed years ago but I was put on an estrogen patch - which was a big no, no. Since being diagnosed I'm off the patch - I think the patch contributed to my cancer.

Before taking any hormone meds I'm would recommend seeing a naturapath. He/she can tell advise you on eating and supplements. Also, they can check your hormone levels for you. That's what I do - it was a very hard choice. But honestly, I didn't want to hurt my body with the chemo pills.

Also, you might think about having your ovaries removed if you aren't planning a family.

 My levels have been very good with the Indole.

vivre

I think it is great that you have a GP who is having you try I3C and is doing the tests to monitor it. My hormone doc (an obgyn) feels that urinalysis gives her more reliable results than a blood test.You might also check into testing by saliva, as it can be taken through your cycle if you are not in menopause.

My tests were not showing good enough results so my doc felt I had a methylation problem. That means that my hormones might be working to absorb things well. She put me on a very small dose of DHEA. Also, try DIM or Myomin, which may absorb better for certain people. As, Deni said, check out the long threads we have here, as we have discussed this a lot. Join us on the natural girls thread!