E Blocker

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E blockers, also sold as oestrogen (estrogen) support or "estrogen blockers", are over-the-counter supplements for men built around ingredients such as DIM (diindolylmethane), boron and herbal extracts like tongkat ali. They contain no hormones or prescription medicines. Brands in this range include NOW Foods, EVLution Nutrition, Horbaach, Primabolics and Allmax.

Read the E Blocker buying guide
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E Blocker: buying guide

What these products are, and what they are not

Healthdirect explains that breast tissue growth in men (gynaecomastia) comes mainly from an imbalance between oestrogen and testosterone, which has many possible causes. Supplements in this category are marketed to support that balance, but the evidence that they change hormone levels in healthy men is limited:

  • DIM is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Memorial Sloan Kettering notes that small human studies, mostly in women, show changes in urinary oestrogen metabolites, and that claims about "detox" have no scientific support.
  • Boron is a trace mineral. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says the human evidence on boron and sex hormones is limited, and it does not establish a clear effect.

Healthy Male, the Australian men's health organisation, lists DIM and boron among common ingredients in testosterone products and cites a review in which only about a quarter of the identified ingredients had data supporting their claims.

See a doctor first if you have symptoms

Healthdirect advises seeing a doctor for breast swelling, breast pain, nipple discharge or a lump. Gynaecomastia is usually not serious, but the cause needs checking, and some medicines and dietary supplements can contribute to it. Symptoms such as low energy or low libido also have many causes, so a GP can arrange proper tests.

How to compare and use safely

  • Know your boron total. The US upper limit for adults is 20 mg a day from all sources, and some multi-ingredient formulas include boron.
  • Check medicines. DIM may reduce the effect of some medicines and is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Drug-tested athletes: the Australian Institute of Sport places testosterone boosters and hormone boosters in Group D. If you compete, choose batch-tested products (for example HASTA or Informed Sport certified) and check with your sport.

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Related categories

Sources: Memorial Sloan Kettering: Diindolylmethane; NIH ODS: Boron; healthdirect: Gynaecomastia.

Order online with Australia-wide delivery, free on orders of $100 or more, or visit a Supps247 store in Melbourne, regional Victoria or Brisbane to compare products in person before you buy. Members can use our price match guarantee on full-priced items.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, check with your doctor first.

E Blocker: questions and answers

Do estrogen blockers contain hormones?
No. Over-the-counter e blockers contain ingredients such as DIM, boron and herbal extracts, not hormones or prescription medicines. Evidence that they change oestrogen or testosterone levels in healthy men is limited. Healthy Male, the Australian men's health organisation, advises working out the cause of symptoms with a health professional rather than self-diagnosing and turning to supplements.
What is DIM and is it safe?
DIM (diindolylmethane) is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. Small studies show it changes oestrogen metabolites in urine, mostly in women. Memorial Sloan Kettering notes it may reduce the effect of some medicines and should not be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Rare side effects have been reported with excessive intake, so follow the label.
How much boron is safe to take each day?
The US upper limit for adults is 20 mg of boron a day from all sources. Many supplements provide around 3 mg, but boron also appears in multivitamins and men's formulas, so add up your total. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements notes that the human evidence on boron and sex hormones is limited.
When should a man see a doctor about breast swelling?
Healthdirect advises seeing a doctor if you notice breast swelling, pain, nipple discharge or a lump. Gynaecomastia is common and usually not serious, but the cause needs checking, because it can be linked to hormone imbalance, some medicines and supplements, or other health conditions. A doctor can examine you and arrange tests if needed.

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