Researchers looked at one older man who took a natural supplement called DIM (diindolylmethane) to help balance his hormones and improve his prostate health. Over three months, his PSA levels—a marker doctors watch for prostate problems—dropped significantly, and his testosterone levels increased. While these results are interesting, this study only followed one person, so scientists need to test this approach with many more people before we know if it really works for everyone.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural plant compound called DIM could help lower PSA levels (a prostate health marker) and improve hormone balance in an older man who didn’t want a prostate biopsy.
  • Who participated: One 78-year-old man with rising PSA levels and declining testosterone who preferred natural approaches over invasive medical procedures.
  • Key finding: After taking 100 mg of DIM daily for three months, the patient’s PSA dropped from 4.6 to 2.4 ng/mL (about 48% lower), and his testosterone increased from 436 to 615 ng/dL. However, this is just one person’s experience.
  • What it means for you: This case suggests DIM might help some men with prostate concerns, but we can’t know if it will work for you without larger studies testing many more people. Talk to your doctor before trying any new supplement, especially if you have prostate concerns.

The Research Details

This is a case report, which means doctors documented what happened to just one patient over time. The 78-year-old man took 100 mg of DIM (a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage) every day for three months. He also stopped taking certain cholesterol supplements. The doctors measured his PSA levels and testosterone at the beginning and end of the three-month period to see if anything changed.

Case reports are like detailed stories about one person’s medical journey. They’re useful for spotting new ideas and interesting patterns, but they can’t prove that something works for everyone. Think of it like noticing that your friend felt better after trying a new exercise routine—it’s interesting, but that doesn’t mean it will work the same way for everyone else.

Case reports are important because they can alert doctors to new possibilities worth investigating further. This study suggests that DIM might be worth testing in larger groups of people. However, because only one person was studied, we can’t be sure the DIM caused the improvements or if other factors played a role.

This study has significant limitations: it only includes one patient, there’s no comparison group to see what would happen without DIM, and we don’t know if other lifestyle changes or natural healing contributed to the results. The patient also stopped taking other supplements, which could have affected the outcome. These factors mean we should view the findings as preliminary and interesting, but not as proof that DIM works.

What the Results Show

The patient’s PSA level decreased substantially over three months. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein that doctors measure to monitor prostate health; higher levels can sometimes indicate problems. This man’s PSA dropped from 4.6 to 2.4 ng/mL, which is nearly a 50% reduction.

At the same time, his testosterone levels improved. Testosterone is a male hormone that naturally declines with age. His total testosterone increased from 436 to 615 ng/dL, representing about a 41% increase. The doctors believe the DIM may have helped his body process estrogen differently, which allowed testosterone levels to rise.

These changes happened over just three months, which is a relatively short timeframe. The timing suggests a possible connection between taking DIM and the hormonal improvements, though one person’s experience isn’t enough to prove cause and effect.

The patient was initially reluctant to undergo a prostate biopsy (a procedure where doctors take tiny tissue samples) because he was concerned about pain and complications. By improving his hormone levels through DIM supplementation, he was able to address his prostate concerns without this invasive procedure. This aspect may be important for men who want to explore gentler approaches to prostate health.

DIM is a compound naturally found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Some earlier research has suggested that compounds in these vegetables might support hormone balance, but most studies have been small or done in laboratory settings rather than with real people. This case report adds to the limited human evidence, but much more research is needed to understand how DIM affects prostate health in different people.

This study has several important limitations: (1) It only includes one person, so we can’t know if results would be similar for others; (2) There’s no control group—we don’t know what would have happened if he hadn’t taken DIM; (3) The patient also stopped taking other supplements, which might have contributed to the improvements; (4) We don’t have information about his diet, exercise, stress levels, or other lifestyle factors that could affect hormone balance; (5) Three months is a short time period, so we don’t know if benefits would continue or if there might be long-term effects; (6) PSA levels can naturally fluctuate, so we can’t be certain the changes were due to DIM rather than normal variation.

The Bottom Line

Based on this single case report, we cannot recommend DIM as a proven treatment for prostate health. However, the findings are interesting enough to warrant larger studies. If you have elevated PSA levels or prostate concerns, talk with your doctor before trying DIM or any supplement. Your doctor can help you weigh the potential benefits against risks and determine if it’s appropriate for your specific situation. Don’t use supplements as a replacement for regular medical checkups and professional advice.

Men with rising PSA levels or prostate concerns who prefer natural approaches might find this case interesting. However, men with diagnosed prostate cancer or serious prostate conditions should work with their oncologist or urologist rather than relying on supplements alone. Anyone taking medications should check with their doctor before adding DIM, as supplements can interact with medicines.

In this case, changes appeared within three months. However, this doesn’t mean everyone would see results in the same timeframe. Hormone changes can take time, and individual responses vary greatly. If you were to try DIM under medical supervision, realistic expectations would be to monitor changes over several months while working with your healthcare provider.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If working with a healthcare provider, track PSA levels every 3 months (through blood tests ordered by your doctor) and record any changes in energy, mood, or urinary symptoms. Note the date you start any supplement and any other lifestyle changes you make simultaneously.
  • Work with your doctor to establish a baseline PSA level and schedule regular testing. If DIM is recommended by your healthcare provider, set a daily reminder to take it consistently. Keep a simple log of when you take the supplement and any changes you notice in how you feel.
  • Schedule PSA blood tests every 3 months if you’re exploring DIM supplementation under medical guidance. Track results in your health app to see patterns over time. Also monitor general health markers like energy levels, sleep quality, and any urinary changes. Share all results with your healthcare provider regularly to ensure the approach is working and safe for you.

This case report describes what happened to one individual and should not be interpreted as medical advice or proof that DIM works for everyone. PSA levels can naturally fluctuate, and this single case cannot establish cause and effect. If you have prostate concerns, elevated PSA levels, or a prostate cancer diagnosis, consult with your doctor or urologist before starting any supplement. Do not use supplements as a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you’re considering, as they may interact with medications or affect medical conditions. This research is preliminary and requires validation through larger clinical studies before any definitive recommendations can be made.