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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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.
Where can I buy DIM or an estrogen blocker online in Australia?
You can order online for delivery Australia-wide, usually in 2 to 8 business days, or compare products in person using the store finder. There is no proven best estrogen blocker, because evidence in healthy men is limited. If you want the best DIM supplement for your needs, start with a single-ingredient product so you know your dose, such as DIM by Primabolics at 100 mg per capsule or EVLution Nutrition DIM 200, which adds black pepper extract. Read the full label on any blend.
What are the benefits of DIM, and does it work?
The clearest effect is a change in how oestrogen is broken down. The Linus Pauling Institute notes that in controlled trials, DIM or its parent compound, indole-3-carbinol, consistently shifted oestrogen breakdown products measured in urine, mostly in women. What that means for everyday health is not established. Human research in healthy men is scarce, so claims that DIM lifts testosterone or changes body shape are not backed by good evidence. Be cautious about any estrogen blocker that promises dramatic benefits.
How much DIM per day, and when should I take it?
There is no official daily amount, so follow your label. Human studies described by the Linus Pauling Institute used doses such as 108 mg and 150 mg a day. Products vary widely: DIM by Primabolics is 100 mg per one-capsule serve, while Nutricost DIM and Horbaach DIM Complex are labelled 300 mg and 350 mg. Research has not identified a best time of day, so take it as directed and at the same time each day so it is easy to remember.
What side effects can DIM and estrogen blockers cause?
The Linus Pauling Institute says oral DIM appears relatively safe and well tolerated, but Memorial Sloan Kettering lists rare case reports of serious problems, including a skin rash with blood changes, blood clots and vision problems after excessive intake. DIM may also make some medicines less effective. Blended estrogen blockers contain extra herbs and minerals, each with its own possible side effects, so check every ingredient. Stop and see a doctor if you notice anything unusual, and ask your GP or pharmacist first if you take medicine.
Can women take DIM?
Many do, and most DIM research has been in women, looking at changes in oestrogen metabolism. Memorial Sloan Kettering advises that women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding should not take DIM, and that women on the contraceptive pill should check with a health professional first. Anyone with a hormone-sensitive condition should also speak with their doctor. Many products here are marketed to men, but DIM by Primabolics contains only DIM and silica in a vegetarian capsule.
What is calcium D-glucarate?
Calcium D-glucarate is the calcium salt of glucaric acid, which occurs naturally in foods such as apples, oranges, broccoli and spinach. Memorial Sloan Kettering says it may increase how quickly oestrogen is cleared from the body, but no clinical trials have tested this in people. It is not a hormone and is not designed as a calcium supplement. Calcium D-Glucarate by Primabolics provides 500 mg per capsule. Check with your doctor first if you take medicine, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a hormone-sensitive condition.

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