Okay, so we’ve been talking lots about the natural supplement Estroblock (aka a quality brand of DIM, aka Diindolylmethane), and how it got rid of my hormonal acne.
But let’s talk a little about the root of the problem here. What is the underlying problem that Estroblock is correcting, and how could we potentially address it without taking the supplement (or at least not forever)?
So, this acne-causing hormonal imbalance that Estroblock treats mainly occurs due to exposure to estrogen mimickers. Up until now, I’ve simply been describing these as “bad estrogens that come from our environment, such as from plastic”.
One type of estrogen mimicker are those found from unnatural substances – yes, such as plastic. And there are also phytoestrogens, which are natural estrogen mimickers from certain foods and plants – such as soy products. All of these come under the blanket term “xenoestrogens”, which literally means “foreign” estrogens.
I thought that this little snippet taken from this article by Dr. Don Colbert that explains how DIM works was very clarifying:
There are several ways imbalances can occur. One way is through exposure to estrogen mimics, or xenoestrogens. Certain chemicals in the environment from pesticides and plastics, soaps, emulsifiers, household cleaning products and even car exhaust look and act enough like natural estrogens that the body mistakenly accepts them as estrogen. They are fat soluble and pass through the skin easily and accumulate over time.
Estrogen mimics can latch on to estrogen receptors located on the surface of breast and other hormonally-caused cancer cells, signalling the cancer cell to grow and divide, making the cancer spread. Estrogen mimics can also bind to estrogen receptors on healthy cells and send false signals. Others block the natural hormone and keep it from binding to its receptor – resulting in more estrogen circulating in the bloodstream.
Estrogen dominance can also result from slow or sluggish estrogen metabolism. After estrogen completes its activity in the target cells, it returns to the bloodstream. From there it travels to the liver to be broken down or metabolized. However, if the rate of metabolism is too slow, an excess of unmetabolized estrogen is left to circulate in the body, causing estrogen dominance.
Researchers have also discovered that estrogen can be metabolized in two different pathways in the liver, resulting in two very different kinds of metabolites. One pathway, the 2-hydroxy pathway, results in beneficial or “good” estrogen metabolites. These “good” estrogen metabolites are released into the bloodstream where they account for many of the benefits of estrogen, including the prevention of heart disease and strong, healthy bones. The 2-hydroxy metabolites also have the power to get rid of damaged or cancerous cells throughout the body.
Where there’s a “good” of something, there most often is a “bad” of it as well. And there is indeed, a “bad” estrogen metabolism pathway – the 1 6-hydroxy pathway. The estrogen metabolites that result from this pathway – the 16- hydroxy estrogen metabolites – behave “badly” in our bodies. Greater production of “bad” estrogen metabolites can result in estrogen dominance and are linked to many health problems, including:
• Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Breast cancer
• Cervical dysplasia
• Clinical depression
• Fibroid tumors
• Infertility
• Magnesium deficiency
• Osteoporosis
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Zinc deficiency
And, it can also, very apparently, cause acne.
So, that pretty much explains what Estroblock does. It helps your liver metabolize those used estrogens faster, and also promotes the estrogen in your bloodstream being metabolized into the “good, happy, healthy” estrogen metabolites that are responsible for positive estrogen effects (which apparently leads to clear skin! Wohoo!).
High on good estrogens
It also explains why it might be a good idea to also help your liver in other ways alongside using DIM. For example, I use liver support herbs as well to help my liver metabolize other day-to-day toxins so that it is strong enough to deal with those hormones efficiently.
The liver supplement I take is Thorne SAT Liver Support (just one per day).
How Do These Bad Estrogens Actually Lead to Acne Anyway? I Thought it was “Androgens” or “Testosterone” That Caused Acne?
Well, I’d been wondering for a while what the actual mechanism is here…. in other words, what actually happens in the body that creates acne from “bad estrogens”? And how does lowering them clear your skin?
I just found out yesterday from chatting on the phone to the maker of Estroblock, Nick Delgado, is that because all your hormones work in ratios, when you have a lot of bad estrogen, testosterone (aka androgens) have to rise to match it. Except the only form of testosterone potent enough to match it is not the happy “good” testosterone responsible for sex drive and other fun things – it’s DHT, the form of testosterone responsible for acne.
So… in other words… using Estroblock combined with avoiding xenoestrogens lowers the bad estrogen –> lowers your DHT –> gets rid of acne. He confirmed again that it was incredible for men’s acne and teenage acne too, not just us ladies.
How Can We Prevent Accumulating Fake Estrogen Mimickers In The First Place?
So it’s likely you’ve been exposed to tons of these estrogen mimickers over your lifetime, especially if you’ve never heard of them (and you’re getting hormonal acne). That’s why you might need to take a fairly high dose of DIM to start with in order to clear everything out and get your body back on track.
But as we were discussing last post, understandably most people don’t really want to be on this supplement forever. And apparently you don’t have to be.
But in order to get off it and stay clear, it’s most likely that you need to at least be aware of the sources of xeno and phyto estrogens and try to cut down on your exposure to them. Hey – it’s a good idea. It’s not just acne we’re preventing, but also estrogen related cancers.
List of Endocrine Disrupting Xeno Estrogens:
This list was found at Suite101.com:
- Organ chlorines, are one of the largest sources. They are used in pesticides, dry cleaning, bleaching of feminine-hygiene products and the manufacture of plastics.
- Bisphenol-A, a breakdown of polycarbonate, is used in many plastic bottles. It’s found in the lining of many food cans and juice containers.
- Avoid heated plastics, plastic lined items and Styrofoam (microwave, oven, sun), as the polycarbonate escapes
- Use glass, ceramics or steel to store/consume foods and liquids.
- Choose organic produce. Always go organic with thin skinned fruits and vegetables.
- Buy hormone-free animal products (eggs, poultry, meats, dairy). To avoid xenoestrogen injections, supplements, bovine growth hormone.
- A common food preservative in processed foods (BHS: butylated hydroxyanisole).
- Avoid non-organic coffee and tea.
- Use reverse-osmosis filter water or purchase your own filter (drinking and bathing).
- Many creams and cosmetics contain parabens and stearal konium chloride. Choose natural brands (preservatives made with minerals or grapefruit seed extract).
- Most skin lotions, creams, soaps, shampoo, cosmetics use parabens and phenoxyethanol as a preservative. Substances are 100% absorbed into the body. Go natural or organic.
- Phthalates are commonly found in baby lotions and powders.
- Sunscreen can contain benzophenone-3, homosalate, 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor, octal-methoxycinnamate, octal-dimethyl-PABA. Go organic.
- Many perfumes, deodorizers, air fresheners have artificial scents and contain phthalates.
- Most perfumes are petrochemically based.
- Nail polish and removers contain harsh chemicals.
- The birth control pill contains high concentration of synthetic estrogen. Choose a condom or diaphragm gels without surfactants. Use a condom without spermicidal.
- Hormone replacement therapy (contains synthetic estrogens) – opt for paraben-free progesterone cream.
- Research ingredients in your pharmaceuticals.
- Dryer sheets, fabric softeners and detergents put petrochemicals right on your skin. Use laundry detergent with less chemicals or use white vinegar and baking soda.
- Be aware of noxious gas that comes from copiers and printers, carpets, fiberboards, new carpets.
- Do not inhale and protect your skin from: electrical oils, lubricants, adhesive paints, lacquers, solvents, oils, paints, fuel, industrial wastes, packing materials, harsh cleaning products, fertilizers.
- Become educated on: pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, parathion, plant and fungal estrogens, industrial chemicals (cadmium, lead, mercury), Primpro, DES, Premarin-cemeteries, Tagamet, Marijuana, insecticides (Dieldrin, DDT, Endosulfan, Heptachlor, Lindane/hexachlorocychohexan, methoxychlor), Erythrosine, FD&C Red No 3, Nonylphenol, Polychlorinated biphenyls, Phenosulfothizine, Phthalates, DEHP.
To Sum Up The List From My Viewpoint and Offer Some Basic Things Most People Can Do:
- One of my biggest suggestions would be to continue moving away from using synthetic, unnatural products on your skin and toward using natural products and ingredients only. This includes face washes, moisturizers, makeup, shampoo, body lotion, soaps, deoderant, sunscreen, laundry detergent, and perfume. These xenoestrogens on your skin bypass the liver and gets absorbed right into the bloodstream, which is much more harmful than eating it.
- Switch to using more natural cleaning products in your home
- Switch to using glass tupperware and storage containers when possible and be careful about how much canned and packaged food you eat
- Try to eat more local organic food over conventional produce, meat, and dairy. I know, it’s difficult, but at the very least, makes sure you are thoroughly washing your produce before eating it. Personally I prioritize eating organic animal products over organic produce (but that’s just me).
- Get a stainless steel metal water bottle instead of buying bottled water. Make sure the liner or coating doesn’t contain BPA.
- Consider filtering your drinking water, especially if you know your water quality is very poor
- Never heat or microwave plastic and eat off it. Ever. Be conscious of drinking out of plastic water bottles that have been sitting in the sun. Or hot drinks out of plastic mugs or cups.
- If you use tampons or pads, try switching to a menstrual cup.
- Try to avoid eating soy and flax as main staples in your diet. I know it wasn’t listed above, but these are by far the most powerful natural food sources of xenoestrogens. Don’t go crazy avoiding them at all costs, but just think twice if they are staples in your diet.
- Possibly consider a different form of birth control if you are on hormonal birth control. Click here to learn how to avoid a post birth control breakout after quitting.
- Think twice if you are a big pot smoker. Some people swear that marijuana causes them to break out, and maybe this is why?
Anyway – that’s that! Hope this helped. Obviously xenoestrogens are lurking in many places, but please don’t get all paranoid and fearful. Just do your best, and slowly change what you can to cut down on exposure. Going crazy paranoid won’t help.
I am definitely not perfect and could totally do better. I still use plastic tupperware and plastic wrap, often eat beans out of cans, sometimes eat soy, and I got too lazy to filter my drinking water and stopped. I also don’t eat all my food organic. But after writing this post I think I will try to continue improving!
Die Xenoestrogens, die! (that word sounds like a crazy alien estrogen race from outerspace, am I right?)
Oh yeah, and by the way, you might also want to make sure you’re having your green smoothies and sauerkraut, because cruciferous vegetables such as kale, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, brussel sprouts, turnips, kohlrabi, radishes, rutabaga, and arugula also help you metabolize those xenoestrogens. That’s what DIM is derived from after all – cruciferous vegetables.
Were you aware of this whole xenoestrogen thing? What are you doing to cut down on exposure? Which areas can you improve on?
Hi Tracy, I just want to thank you so much. I’m 39 yrs old and have been fighting acne since I was 23. Tried some antibiotics then went to ProActive which worked for years up until last March. Something happened and my acne went nuts on me even proactive didn’t work. I’ve been on an antibiotic since May bc I was desperate. I mean, come on. 39yr old mother of 2 young sons with acne all over her face. Anyhow, I knew I needed to get to the root of the problem bc I will have this the rest of my life otherwise and that’s how I found you. This has been the most reading experience so far not only for acne but for health! I literally just started changing my diet up 2 days ago and now ordering some of your recommended products, estroblock included bc I think I have all forms of acne. Ugh!! All this being said I wanted to mention that I believe I read somewhere that camomile teas and passiflora or passion tea also block the bad estrogen. I’m not 100% but I remember something like that bc I drink camomile almost daily. Thanks again and so excited to finish up reading your book/s and do more!! Sorry so long!! 🙂
Nice, I might start drinking camomile tea then! So glad to hear that you’ve gotten a lot out of my work here at the L Vitamin, hope that it sees you to good health and clear skin my friend 🙂
Hi
Would these excessive amounts of bad estrogen and testosterone levels show up on a blood test? I’ve just had my hormone levels checked and they were normal. But i still have spots!
Thanks for your all the helpful advice 🙂
X
Well, I don’t know. I’ve always read that blood tests that you get at the doctor’s offices aren’t that accurate (and that saliva tests are more accurate). Seems to be true because I keep getting all these women saying that they have had these blood tests and they say their hormones are fine, when CLEARLY they are not fine.
Nick Delgado is sending me a saliva and urine hormone test to try, so then I will have more experience with these types of tests and can write about them.
Please do let us know about those hormone tests! I also showed normal estrogen levels on my blood test, but I have the typical cyclic chin acne that everyone says is hormonal. So frustrating.
Well, actually, come to think of it, maybe it’s not that the blood tests are wrong… you probably do have normal estrogen levels, but perhaps the blood tests just aren’t differentiating between good and bad estrogen metabolites (the ones that are driving up the DHT). After Estroblock, you would probably have the same amount of estrogen, just much, much higher good estrogens.
Hi Tracy
I get all your newsletters and read all your posts and I think you’re doing a great job educating people!
I am aware of danger xenoestrogens present for us but I am also kind of aware that in todays world it’s impossible to avoid it…I for once, live in a village and have chickens and eat organic eggs and sometimes meat, but I still have bad acne, hormonal imbalance that noone can help me with, unless I want to be on BCP, which I have been on for 8y, didn’t like it, stopped it…
What I wanted to say is, now I try to help my hormones with drinking tea that has vitex in it and other plants that are supposed to regulate your period, but I already have been taking this for a year now and I am starting to wonder am I actually doing my body a favour or am I just putting more xenoestrogens in it???What do you think??
Sorry for a long post,
martina
Thanks Martina!
Yes I definitely think in today’s worlds it’s pretty much impossible to completely avoid them. But if you weren’t aware of them before, it’s a good idea to just try to reduce your exposure without freaking out about them and getting all paranoid (sounds like you are fine due to where you live), buuuuuttt….. if you were on BCP for 8 years, that’s probably the problem, as they contain a lot of synthetic estrogen.
As for what you’re taking… well… vitex shouldn’t increase bad estrogen. I don’t know what else you’re taking. Try estroblock!
yes, I do live in a village but still my environment is pretty much full of plastic, I have microwave and all the goodies of the modern world, plus I study law so my life is pretty packed with stress.
The tea that I drink contains vitex,sage, nettle, raspberry and sage and my phytoterapist mixes my tea and a tincture and she is a doctor so at first I guessed she knows better than me, right!? And that’s all I take…
I know you and Fran are thrilled about estroblock, but the thing is I live in Croatia;Europe and I don’t think it would be possible for me to get it that easy, what do you think?
I thought of trying to eat brocoli and such every day and see how that goes (???)
Hi Martina,
Maybe not… I’m not sure if there are some places it doesn’t ship!
Hey Martina 🙂 I’m from Germany and I have just odered EstroblockPro via calling the Delgado Protocol people. High shipping costs, yes, but therefore certainty that you get the good stuff! 🙂 I wuld recommend you do the same (order 3 so you get 15% discount). If you want it before christmas, they ship it to you with express shipping if you want. Costs 35 US dollars. well, it depends on you, you always pay for what is worth it for you (and in this case i bet also for what you get!). hope i coul dhelp 🙂
Hi!
How did you originally discover that you had too much ‘bad estrogen’? Is it something that can be discovered through blood tests? I recently had labs done and found out that my testeosterone and DHEA-S are elevated but my estrogen levels are normal. Just wondering if my elevated androgen levels could also be due to elevated bad estrogen even though my blood results didn’t indicate it.
Thanks for the post!
Sasha
Hi Sarah,
Actually I just took a chance on trying Estroblock and it worked. See what I said above to Sarah – maybe it’s not that your overall estrogens are high, but just that the ratio of good to bad is wrong (ie. too much bad estrogen). I don’t know though. I really need to get better versed on hormone tests. But either way – it kind of sounds like most people probably don’t have the proper estrogen ratio simply due to the modern lives we live and since exposure is so high all around us. Nick Delgado said that pretty much anyone with acne will be helped by this supplement. But… like.. you know… he makes it, so haha… he would say that. I don’t really think there’s anything that will help everyone, but it does sound like it has very low incidence of side effects and isn’t going to screw up your hormones or anything if you just give it a try (since all it’s doing is making your helping your liver with this particular metabolic task. If it’s already doing its job properly, I don’t think it’s going to make things worse)
Hi Tracy, I was wondering if you can please send me an email, I need to ask you a very important question regarding my young children and I would really appreciate if you can please give me a few minutes of your time.
Hi Yamee, get in touch with me through my contact page. Mind you, I don’t know what you’re going to ask but I don’t feel that comfortable giving you any specific advice about how to treat your young ones, whatever the issue is!
hey Tracy,
I wanted to ask you about the rice flour in the estro block and many other supplements. I know it’s used as a flow agent but do you think this could be problematic for acne prone people? I feel like it would be bad for the gut and contribute to leaky gut. or is there a minimal amount in the capsules that it wouldn’t cause any harm? what are your thoughts on rice flour in supplements?
thanks
Hi Rick – I don’t think so. I don’t think it’s a big deal, it’s in there in such minute amounts, and rice isn’t usually a highly problematic food for acne sufferers. I eat lots of rice 🙂
that’s good to know. thanks for the response. do you eat lot’s of rice as brown or white rice?
Both, actually. Brown rice is generally better for acne sufferers because it’s lower GI, but eating some white doesn’t bother me. There’s controversy over whether white or brown is better! ha.. I just try to stay out of it and do what works for me
Hey Tracy, your articles and information provided is really helpful and wonderful. I am commenting because after reading what you said happens to the body when exposed to fake estrogens it made me think of my personal situation. I have been wearing a masectomy insert in my bra for years and years now. It is lined with plastic so here I am wondering if perhaps it has done harm to me? I can’t be sure, but perhaps I’ll take it out and see if that helps. I’m currently breastfeeding so from what I’ve researched I can’t take the supplement until I stop. I’m not sure why, probably something hormonal but my skin was beautiful while I was pregnant. Now it’s very not beautiful :(I’ve even gotten to the point that I’m considering trying birth control for the first time in my life.
Hi Natalie,
Hard to say if any one source of plastic is an issue. It might be if its been up against your skin for years . We’re so exposed to them everywhere, it’s hard to know. Not sure why you can’t take it while you’re breastfeeding.. isn’t it that they just haven’t done enough studies on it to say (but it’s not to say it’s bad, they just don’t know?)
Very interesting article, Tracy. I truly enjoy reading all your informative posts.
I have a couple of questions. Soy and flax should be avoided. By avoiding flax, do you mean flaxseed? I used to drink soy milk, but I stopped and now I drink almond and coconut. I do eat tofu sometimes.
Secondly, I too suffer from acne. It surely, is a royal pain. I got my ZRT (mid cycle) blood test performed back in May, sent off the results, then received the results from my naturopath explaining that I have low estrogen 52, I believe. I thought perhaps I had too much estrogen, since my face was horrendous at that time. Would it still be worthwhile to try Estroblock even though my estrogen “is supposedly low?
I know hormones can be regulated in three weeks, and I’m not sure if my estrogen is low now. From my understanding, estrogen decreases after your cycle. I collected the samples day 19 of the mid cycle 15-21 as per my ND’s instructions. I suppose I didn’t understand my results is what it is.
I am still on the quest for permanently clear, acne free skin. I also question whether I have any unknown food intolerance. I would like to have a food allergy/intolerance test performed. I have certainly made drastic changes to my diet.
I would appreciate your insight. Thank you for your time!
Carmen
Yep flaxseed. Hmm… not sure if you should take it if your estrogen tested low. I would think you could probably take it, as it would just metabolize the estrogen you do have into good estrogen. Maybe call the company and ask, although I’m guessing that’s probably what they’d say.
hey Tracy,
Thanks for the article. I was wondering if you have any good shampoo/conditioner brand recommendations? I am using Giovanni right now. I use a Nalgene bottle for water, which I believe are BPA free. Is that ok, or are there other concerns with Nalgene?
Hi Chelsea,
Hmm.. well, I don’t really have a natural formulated shampoo/conditioner that I recommend off the top of my head. I use baking soda to wash my hair. There is some shampoo… call the “Morocco Method”. They wanted to send me free samples… usually I say no to that kind of thing because I don’t want to feel obligated to talk about their shiz, but their ingredients looked really good so I agreed (on the pretense that I wouldn’t have to talk about it if I didn’t want to), but I still haven’t tried it yet so I can’t personally say it’s great, but the ingredients did look awesome. So maybe check that out.
And as for Nalgene.. hmm, can’t comment on that, I don’t know. Googling it doesn’t seem very conclusive
There are lots of things on your list that I can do. I am already using more natural products and look like a crazy person reading labels of products every time I consider buying anything (my husband thinks I’ve lost the plot!). I found a recipe to make body butter with coconut oil and am definitely testing it out. I also ordered Estroblock and it cost me an arm, a leg and almost a foot but I can’t wait to test it out and believe it will help my skin improve.
Nice! Yep, there’s lots of stuff I can do too. I am inspired to go out and buy a bunch of glass tupperware. Hope estroblock works for you. I know it’s expensive, it sucks :/
I forgot to comment on the Estroblock post, as it probably would have been more appopriate for my response, but I have taken Estroblock for a total of about a month and everytime I start to take it I get these horrible headaches and sometimes body aches(even if I only take one of the regular strength). I commented on Fran’s blog and there was also this reader who had a similar reaction to Estroblock. She called Estroblock and they said that they have never heard of this reaction before. I wonder if I have so many bad estrogens in my body that even the weakest form of estroblock is too much detox for me? Maybe if I eliminate more of these bad estrogens my body would react differently. Or perhaps my body just cannot handle it? It kind of sucks though, because my skin did clear a little bit.
Hi Sarah,
Yes, this migraine thing is a mystery. Have you used liver herbs or anything? And yes perhaps try lowering your xenoestrogen exposure… honestly, I don’t know though :/ Try doing those things and then trying it again in a while (like several months) and see if you still get the same reaction
Hi Tracy,
I recently started reading and coming to your blog everyday about 3 weeks ago, since then I switched to Manuka Honey as a cleanser and the Jane Iredale Magic Mitt to remove the little makeup I wear at the end of my day. I have to say my skin has improved dramatically! The redness and inflammation from my hormonal acne has decreased like crazy! I also started supplementing, so I am sure that is helping as well. I loved this article because I am trying to go more natural with my hygiene products. I actually started using baking soda to wash my hair and it is so much less greasy. I used to have to wash my hair everyday to every second day at the most, now I have been going 4 days without washing! Its awesome!
I was wondering do you use a moisturizer on your body? I stopped using moisturizer on my face and want to try the caveman once all my hormonal acne has cleared, but winter is quickly approaching (I live in Canada) and in the winter the skin on my body can get quite dry. I was thinking of using oil, I just don’t know what kind to use. Also if you have any suggestions on natural deodorants.
Thanks so much! I am so happy I stumbled across your site! The information you provide is so great and your so dedicated to it and your followers.
Steph
Hi Steph 🙂
That’s awesome.. super glad to hear things have been improving for you so quickly! Way to go 🙂
As for caveman – yeah I have skin more on the dry side. That’s why I do the “no water” caveman, because well… you know… water itself is drying! But even with the water, my skin still gets a little dry in winter (also from Canada)… I’d just started putting a wee bit of extra virgin olive oil on my face every few days for moisture if things get too dry (just lightly rub it in on my dry face). Worked really well
Can you or anyone think of a way this could have a negative impact on fertility?
Hi Mary,
Do you mean xenoestrogens, or Estroblock? I would imagine xenoestrogens would indeed have a negative impact on fertility. Estroblock should help restore it
Hello, I’m wondering….if i am on birth control, will taking this lower the effects of it? I want to go off birth control in a few months regardless. It don’t want to get pregnant if I used Estroblock while on bc. Also,.are there any signs and symptoms of too much bad estrogen, besides acne? And if I go off birth control, can my body get rid of those bad estrogens on its own?
Hi Sunshine – No it won’t, they state on their site that it won’t and that they actually recommend using it when you are on birth control because BCPs are full of synthetic estrogens. Yes, google “estrogen dominance” for other symptoms. and if you go off birth control… will it get rid of them on its own? I don’t know. I think that just depends on your body, I can’t say.
Fantastic! Thank you! I will order some and start it. Perhaps it will help me to not break out bad if I take the Estroblock for a couple months, then wean off the birth control. Youre a gem you know!
Check in with this thread too and get some support and inspiration from the ladies weaning off BCPs : https://thelovevitamin.com/769/can-you-wean-off-the-birth-control-pill/
Great post full of great information! I wanted to add something to the list: IPA or India Pale Ale beers. Apparently the hops that these beers are made from are high in phytoestrogens.
Here’s one article – http://beersoup.allaboutbeer.com/2011/08/beware-ipa-day-celebrants-brewers-droop/
Nice! Thank you for that addition
Hi Tracy,
First of all, thank you for your blog. I am a french 23 years old girl and we have only 1 website like yours which is http://beaute-pure.com (if you don’t understand french, you will probably encounter some issues !). This website is really cool but it is not updated as regularly as yours.
I’ll try to be brief : I started getting acne when I was 11 (it was very tiny pimples now and then). I tried some antibiotics as it was getting worse over the years but it didn’t worked very well. At the age of 14, I started getting the famous pill Diane 35. My skin was rapidly COMPLETELY bright, I had no more acne (even during my periods) until… I stop taking it :D… 8 months ago now.
I had a smooth and clear skin for 8 years so it is really painful to look like a teenage girl ! My boyfriend (with whom I live) has always known me with a clear skin so I feel very uncomfortable with him right now (even though we’re together since I am 17 !).
Bref, as we say in France, it’s been 4 months now that I start getting rid off dairy and sugar (not completely it is very difficult). However, despite of these little changes, my nutrition has always been well balanced (lots of organic fruits and vegetables, few meat). I’ve also buy new comsmetics natural products (we have a great store for that in France which is http://aroma-zone.com).
My first great victory against acne : I managed to completely clear my forehead. It was litteraly covered of micro-cysts (I am not sure it is the right term, they are very tiny pimples, they not hurt, they are not white or red but you can feel with your fingers). How did I do ? With lemon juice ! First, the lemon would rise to the surface all these little micro-cysts but in four weeks (I know it’s long !) they were not there anymore ! All you have to do is to apply the lemon juice with a coton disk over your pimples. It will less or more tingle (depends on the sensibility of your skin) : that’s why you have to start really slowly by letting the lemon work during 2 minutes (not more) and over the days and weeks, you can leave it on longer (It can be more than an hour once your skin is used to it). The lemon juice is also great for acne red scars I believe.
However, even if there has been some improvements, I still get some breakouts (it’s worse during my ovulation and periods). I have acne on my chin, around my mouth and nose and also on the neck (around the jaw line). Typically hormonal right ?! That’s why I bought estroblock (yeah yeah, I made an order in the US from France :D. I start taking it (3 capsules/day) + vitex since 1 week now and for exemple, 3 pimples came out yesterday night on my chin and jaw line (but I know one week is not sufficient to judge).
My question (eventually !) is this one : I’d like to buy DIM in France but I would like to know how much DIM do we incorporate when we take 3 capsules/day of estroblock (in mg ?) so that the transition between estroblock and an other brand would be as great as possible ?
Thank you very much again, hope to read you soon and sorry for my english (I still studied one year in Edinburgh (great city by the way) so I suppose I am not that bad :)).
X from Paris !
Hi Camille 🙂 your english is great!
The regular has 100 mg of DIM, and the triple strength has 150 mg. My understanding is that the ingredients in Estroblock are very good quality and it’s specifically formulated (with the other ingredients in it) to be very, very effective and absorptive.
I know I kinda sound like a Estroblock fan girl – totally not against other DIM supplements and I would love if people found another great just-as-good DIM supplement that they could buy in their own countries. It’s just that I don’t know how Estroblock compares directly to other supplements, you know. So I feel like I can’t just rattle off substitutes saying “this definitely will work as well”, because I just don’t know, because Estroblock is the one that I use and *know* works.
The only other ones I would be leaning towards suggesting would be just as good are these two things:
http://amzn.to/178Uayi – I believe my naturopath prescribed this brand of DIM to me (before I really knew what DIM was)
http://www.longevitywarehouse.com/Rejuvenation-Science-Labs-EstroGuard-3-Pack-p/estroguard3pk.htm – I believe David Wolfe used to sell Estroblock until they formulated their own, so I’m guessing his new formula is probably on par, but I don’t know.
Either way – I don’t know if that helps at all, as I don’t know if either of those are available in France!
Also, yes. Edinburgh is lovely 🙂
Thanks for answering !
Unfortunetaly I can’t find these other brands in France. Actually when you google “DIM” from a french computer, you have 2 french websites, the other ones are americans.
No matter what I’ll have to try another brand because it has taken me almost a month to be delivered and I didn’t think of ordering a second bottle of estroblock until now. Besides, I’ll be out of estroblock during my holiday (next week).
I’ll let you know if the other supplement works !
I forgot to say yesterday that a liver drainage also helped me. What’s worked for me is a chemical solution (but organic) based on desmodium, turmeric, fennel, horseradish, rosemary and artichoke. You have to mix it with water and and some drops of lemon juice and drink it with an empty stomach (it is really rubbish but you get used to it). It is a month cure and you have to repeat it every 3 months. I don’t know if you get those kind of things accross the Atlantic but I defintely agree with you, doing something for the liver is essential (especially when you’ve been on bcp for many years).
So I’ll let you know 🙂 Bye bye
Hi Tracy !
As I said, I’m giving you some news about my use of DIM and Estroblock.
About the use of DIM (not Estroblock brand), I’ve been taking it about 3 weeks-1 month and I didn’t notice any change (positive or negative)… While I was using it, I was in the South of France at my grand parent’s house and it was a really difficult time because they never stopped making comments about my skin so I felt really bad (I had nightmares about my skin getting worse several nights after :s).
Bref, as I was really depressed, I ordered Estroblock again. So I’ve been taking it about… 3 weeks now.
I am currently having a really bad breakout on my chin and jaw lines. Really ! I never had so much pimples ! I also have a pimple at the center of the cheek (I never had any spots at that place). It’s like I am developing a hormonal acne that I never had (my acne has always been hormonal for sure but not that bad).
I have to say that I have been recently exposed to sun for 10 days : Even though I protected myself from the sun, my face and body tanned.
Also, I am taking vitex for 3 months now. However, I learned on your website that when you have regular periods, Vitex can make things worse. I do have regular (really regular !) periods but I have PMS (hot flushes, cramps, mood swings) and hair on my arms.
So, my questions are :
1) Should I stop taking vitex ?
2) Is my currrent break out just the first step of the action of Estroblock ? Or should I stop taking it ?
3) Is this break out related to my sun exposure ? (If it is the case, why am I having spots only on my chin and jaw lines ?)
Hope you got me 🙂
Merci !
Hi Camille, aw I’m so sorry to hear what you’re going through with the acne 🙁 It’s so hard! It sounds to me if you get a breakout on estroblock, it’s either due to a detox reaction (which will pass), a congested liver (which means you might prefer to stop and use liver supplements first), or.. you just aren’t reacting well to it. I can’t say which one it is or which is the best course of action for you. It’s interesting that the first time you took it it didn’t cause this reaction. I would encourage you to perhaps quit anything here that is not working for you and go see a naturopath if possible who will work with you one on one.
Actually, the first time I took it I also had a break out but not as bad as this one (maybe it’s because the first time I’ve been out of it very soon as I ordered only one bottle).
About the congested liver, I am currently doing a second liver drainage (I talked about my first liver detox in my first comment).
I hope it’s a detox reaction… I’ll keep going with estroblock and vitex for a while and if things get worse or just don’t improve, I’ll considerer about seeing a naturopath 🙂
Thanks Tracy 😉
Seems like the majority of your blog posts that regards women hormones seems to get the most popularity here. 😀
Hahah definitely true. But this info applies to guys too!
Hi:)Sorry for my english skills, I’ll try my best:)
Someone told, that pot caused his acne? Well, sg must be known, pot alone wont cause acne,has more healthy sideeffects…but the food, sweets and that stuff man eating after using pot that can cause acne for sure:)
hahah.. ah yeah. The munchies. That’ll cause some acne right there lol! I’m not saying xenoestrogens are definitely the reason that some people break out from marijuana, that was just a theory since I saw it was on the list. I know it has tons of health benefits too.
Hi Tracy,
You are amazing! I found your site a couple months ago and have been on a healing journey ever since. I have been experimenting with many things you have mentioned on here. I am still in the process of finding out my exact cause of acne and started Estroblock last week. I was wondering how long it take to see results from the supplement?
– Jessica
Some people see results in as little as two weeks… with the regular strength estroblock, it took me like two or three months to see its full glory. Might have been faster if I started on the triple strength, I don’t know.
How can you be certain that estroblock is safe? I note that in addition to DIM, estroblock also contains I3C where there are some safety concerns? read ———-> http://www.dimfaq.com/site/I3C-safety.htm
Hi Tessa 🙂 I guess since I’m not a scientist I can’t know for certain, but .. anyway, as for the I3C, I called the Estroblock peeps to see what they had to say about the safety concerns with I3C. I ended up having a very long conversation with the actual formulator, Nick Delgado, and he basically said that when he was formulating it, he too was very concerned about whether it was safe or not. He said that from all his research on it, it seems as though the negative side effects only occur at doses of 400mg per day or over. I guess since I3C has some benefit to the formula, he included it, but each pill of Estroblock only contains 50mg. Anyway, that’s what he said, and while he is of course the maker of it, he seemed extremely knowledgeable and genuine. So that’s all I can say!
Thank you Tracy. Love your blog!
Thanks for being an L Vitamin reader Anthea 🙂
Hi Tracy!
The majority of my acne is around my mouth, on my chin, and along my jaw, as is the common placement for “hormonal” acne. However, this acne isn’t necessarily cystic, it’s more like congested and clogged pores, and I have never noticed any kind of fluctuation or increase in the amount or severity during or around my period. Does that mean that while it is in the place that hormonal acne is typically found, it is not necessarily hormonal acne? I’m asking because I’m unsure whether Estroblock would help me to get rid of it if it really isn’t hormonal acne. (I know that all acne is technically hormonal, but I’m talking more about the fact that it isn’t affected by my period and isn’t cystic.)
Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
Well, it’s hard to say – I can’t really verify that a certain type of acne is definitely “hormonal” over another type, and anything else won’t respond to Estroblock. Technically it’s all hormonal, as you said. I don’t know if these rules about what is “hormonal” and what isn’t is all just BS.
I had a lot of clogged pores on my forehead before using Estroblock (and my forehead was a bit oily), which I cleared up two or three months into it and has stayed perfectly smooth ever since. I thought it was due entirely to using jojoba oil on it (ala this article: https://thelovevitamin.com/5643/how-i-cleared-all-my-clogged-pores-in-less-than-three-weeks/), but then I stopped using jojoba oil and they’ve never come back…. thinking it was maybe the mechanical action of the jojoba which unclogged them and estroblock kept them unclogged.
I wouldn’t have thought that was typical hormonal acne, but I do think that oily/clogged pores is a hormonal thing. It can be in big part to overwashing (which produces more oil), but if that factor is eliminated, it is a hormonal thing that is causing the skin to overproduce oil.
Also, the acne I had around my chin that Estroblock took care of was not cystic, it was just like… papules and pustules.. not huge ones, just numerous enough to annoy me. They came and went, but not always perfectly in line with my periods. Often its seemed a bit random.
What I’m saying is .. I don’t know, but it’s definitely worth trying it to see.
Thank you so much! Super informative.
Is there any possibility that if I took Estroblock and it didn’t help my acne, that it’d give me some nasty side effect? Or would it leave me feeling the same, while either treating my acne or not doing anything?
No, it shouldn’t cause any issue
Hi Tracy,
This might be a bit of a curveball but do you know much about Implanon? (Not sure if it’s called something else in Canada/The States??) If you’re not aware it’s a type of contraception that is in the form of a rod implant (size of a match stick) that is inserted under the skin on the inside of your upper arm. (sounds gross huh!)
From my understanding, the way it works is that it secretes small doses of progesterone over a three year period.
Anyway, the attraction of this particular contraception is that it lasts for three years and is more effective than any other contraception (except for abstinence!) plus it is ridiculously cheap (In Australia it’s a once off payment of $24).
There are some serious side affects, some of which I’ve experienced first hand. The worst in my opinion is the bad acne around menstruation (which when you’re on implanon can be fairly irregular at times).
Do you think Estroblock would help with acne caused by this particular BC given that it’s quite different from all the other typical methods of BC?
I know you’re not a doctor but do you think it its too dangerous to keep using?
I finish my three year term in a couple of months and i’m wondering if I should opt for a less hardcore BCP?
Sorry for the long narrative!
Rgds,
Holly
Hi Holly – sorry I don’t know how Estroblock would work in that situation! I advise calling the Delgado Protocol on that one.
Also have you considered a non-hormonal copper IUD as an alternative? I have one and it’s great. Some people don’t react that well to the copper, but I have had no problems. And it was super cheap to get put in here in Canada… in the States for some reason it’s really expensive so it’s a gamble to just try it, but it’s probably cheap in Australia too, maybe?
Hi Tracy,
I’m a little puzzled about the flaxseed now. I have been soaking one tablespoon in a third glass of water overnight en then drinking it the next morning. It really helps me with my digestion. Also it gives me energy and is supposed to be full of omega 3. Do you think I should stop taking this? Is there an alternative you would recommend?
Hi Daphne,
Yeah I think it’s one of those things with good and bad points so it’s hard to know if you should ditch it or keep it. I tend to recommend cod liver oil or a quality fish oil for Omega 3s as opposed to plant based ones anyway – plant based ones have to be converted to their useable form, and that doesn’t always happen efficiently. Fish based Omega 3s are already in their useable form. As for digestion, psyllium husk is a good alternative.
Hey Tracy,
Thanks for your reply!
I am already taking the cod liver oil you recommended 🙂
so I will switch to the psyllium husk when my flax seed run’s out for the digestion purposes. thanks, take care!!
Hi Tracy,
First up, I just wanted to say I’ve learned so much from your blog, so thank you for that.
I’ve had acne for 17 years now and I’ve tried just about every conventional method medical science has to offer. I did see results for some of them, but they never lasted.
Since reading your blog, I have switched to using manuka honey and jojoba oil to cleanse and moisturise my face. That change alone has left me with lesser breakouts and when they do happen, I have less large cystic acne. The parts of my face that I normally do not breakout at look less oily and really look quite nice, if I may say so. For the first time in my life, I can imagine what I’ll look like with clear skin.
My purpose for writing this comment, however, is to ask for advice on Estroblock. I tried Estroblock and in the first week or so, I had quite a bad outbreak of cystic acne along my jaw where I usually breakout. But then, it started to clear and my skin looked really good. The problem is, however, I seem to have some sort of allergic reaction to Estroblock. Around the second day of taking it, I started having hives/rashes on my arms and legs. However, I plowed through (not sure if that was the right move) until I did some research on DIM online and they said if I develop hives that I should stop taking it immediately. So I stopped. And now, I have some minor outbreaks. Not big cystic acne, but smaller ones and they are lesser in frequency as well. This is my third day off Estroblock. I really hate to quit Estroblock because it seemed to be working for my skin.
My questions are:
1) Should I continue taking Estroblock? Will the hives/rashes disappear?
2) I was on 2 capsules of Estroblock in the morning (with food) and 1 in the evening (with food). Should I perhaps lower the dosage and see what happens?
3) I know you said you took Liv-Tox with Estroblock. I did not have Liv-Tox at that time, so I just took Estroblock alone. Do you think adding Liv-Tox will help with my allergic reaction to Estroblock?
4) Are there any other supplements that are similar to Estroblock?
Thank you so much for your help and for taking the time to read/answer this!
Hi Tina,
Hmm, you know, I don’t know anything about that. If you’re having an allergic reaction to it, I guess you should probably not take it :/ .. but I’m not sure, I think you should call the company and ask their opinion.
Love the post! Theres so much to learn, and seems like SO MANY more things to avoid these days!
But that’s ok, one thing at a time.
Just updating my experience with Estroblock and Dim, it’s been 5 weeks now. And in between I had about a week or so where I ran out of Estroblock (what I started with) and had to order more online quickly (ordered DIM). At around that same time I ate a bunch of dairy products like yogurt which I desperately hoped it wouldn’t cause me any problems…but seems as though dairy most likely does. Although small doses seems to be ok. But I love yogurt.
I had a few acne on my chin area, and my neck started having these cysts as well.
I started taking DIM which arrived in the mail, and now the acne is reduced by A LOT once again, and I don’t think I’ll be willing to run out of it any time soon!
But I will definitely start on the green smoothies again as well! Thanks!
Yes definitely – one thing at a time 🙂 Super glad to hear that Estroblock/DIM has been working out for you! 😀
Hello again, Tracy!
I want to start off by saying how much your ebooks and website have helped me in not only improving the condition of my skin, but the quality of my life as well! Thank you so, so much for everything. I know that keeping up with comments is time-consuming, on top of all the other things you have to do!
I’ve been following all your steps/”rules” in your ebook and (knock on wood) have been seeing great results, and it’s only been two weeks! I’m thinking that the next step I want to take is through supplements, particularly Liv-tox and Estroblock. I know that a properly functioning liver is crucial, and that balancing hormone levels can also aid in clearing acne. I’ve also read that it’s helpful to take this pills in conjunction with one another.
Regarding this, I have a few questions. Would it be smart to take Liv-tox first, on its own, to fully “clean out” the liver and kind of get that detox out of the way prior to starting Estroblock? If you see the benefit to this, how long do you think the Liv-tox should be taken by itself? 1 month? 2 months?
After that period of time, once Estroblock is added, do you think it’d have less “side effects” (the migraines I’ve been hearing about, nausea, etc.) because the liver problems have been taken care of already?
Then, would it still be smart to continue taking them both together? To clarify, you are currently taking BOTH Liv-tox and Estroblock? (1 Liv-tox a day and 3 Estroblock a day)
Thank you so much, Tracy!
Hi Sarah 🙂
Yes you can take them at the same time – I do. You might want to start on the Liv-tox first, or maybe just start with one of the regular estroblock and see how you do and then increase it slowly. It’s hard to say what would be the thing that would be the most effective for you here or if it’s even going to be a problem.
Hi Tracy,
I have been exploring your website for the past few weeks and am looking for hope! I stopped taking the contraceptive pill back in January as I wanted to give my body 6months to find ‘normal’ before my husband and I tried for a baby. Since I’ve stopped taking the pill, my acne is slowly getting worse and worse. I had bad acne as a teen, and started taking the pill to try and fix it. And it did, by now I’m 27 and wanting to try for a baby and the acne has returned in full force. It makes me so sad everyday and I don’t know what to do from here. I started washing my face with manuka 3 weeks ago, and I’m moisturinsing with hemp seed oil (form Fran Kerr’s recent research). But I’m not seeing any results. I know it’s hormonal, because it’s all in my chin area. Should I start taking the estro block? Is it safe to take when trying to concieve/pregnant. I am just so sad everyday to look at myself.
Thanks for all your advice,
in hope,
Kate
Hi Kate,
I‘m sorry to hear that you‘re struggling so much 🙁
I‘m not Tracy, but Tracy is away for a few days and asked me to reply to the comments on her blog in the meantime. Unfortunately it‘ll take some time until your skin will get better after stopping the pill. It took me 1 1/2 years to get my skin back on track (without estroblock). Birth control pills produce a lot of toxic estrogen in the body and estroblock seems to help a lot of women to get rid of it. The good news is that many women get a pretty glorious looking skin while pregnant (even without estroblock).
You can take 1 capsule of the regular strength while pregnant (see Fran Kerr‘s answer in the other post “Estroblock Q & A“: https://thelovevitamin.com/11423/estroblock-acne-q-and-a/ ). Make sure to eat lots of liver supporting herbs and spices in your daily diet (ginger, tumeric, lemon, garlic…) and foods like high-antioxidant fruits, apples, leafy greens (especially bitter greens), artichoke, cruciferous vegetables, beets and/or onions: I wouldn‘t recommend supplements such as milk thistle or burdock root while pregnant. Make sure that the food you’re eating is organically grown, otherwise you’re just adding extra toxins like pesticides or chemicals to your system. A natural skin care regimen – mainly just what you‘re doing right now 😉 – is important too.
That‘s what Tracy wrote about estroblock and TRYING to get pregnant: „The way I see it – by using this supplement, you are aiming to get your hormones into balance, not out of balance, and hormones that are in balance are only going to have a positive effect on fertility, not the other way around. So I would *think* it would be fine to use while trying to conceive, and would probably be quite helpful to your cause! Again, you might want to double check though on what the company has to say on the matter: http://delgadoprotocol.com/sample-page/ “
Hi Svea,
Thanks for your reply on Tracy’s behalf, I appreciate it! I bought the Estro block and Vitex herbs and am going to give them a try. It’s day 3 so far. I hope to see results!! I will lower the dosage should I become pregnant. It’s so hard to live with adult acne, so I thank you and Tracy and everyone who contributes to The Love vitamin to help us women who are struggling with it.
I have many bottles of Proactive left over from last year, and I am so tempted to start using it. But I know you need to use a skin care regime for a few months right?
Also..my acne gets really itchy after I do the manuka honey mask – has anyone found this? My skin seems really dry, so I keep using the hemp oil, but it’s still quite itchy.
Thanks!
My skin gets dry after using manuka, too. I can only use it every 2-3 days. I don’t have the itchy problem except when blemishes start to heal and flake off, then it does itch. And for me, manuka promotes healing and the flaking off of acne.
It’s pretty dry where I live right now (summer in the pacific northwest). I notice that if it’s humid out if I let my skin sweat a little it moistens back up. I don’t use jojoba oil anymore or any other oil.
I’ve been taking estro block .. 4 a day.. and have had no effects.. I dont know what i should do.. its been about 2 weeks.. and its expensive.. could it be that my body doesn’t absorb it.. you said that we need large amounts of DIM.. why dont I just take a dim supplment then? Do you reccemond that.. if so what brand? have you done that? You mention estroblock a lot but not DIM supplment but in a way isn’t it the same thing?
Also I went to a homepath and she gave me different herbs to take.. their kind of like vitamins but in tincture form.. so their drops i take everyday.. a few different kinds mixed together.. one for liver support.. one for mucus .. bowel.. one to clean my blood… like dandeline root, myyrh, goldenseal.. etc.. I am not sure if you know about herbs.. so wanted to ask you if you have any experience or knowledge about acne curing through herbs?
I am frustrated and my skin has not been getting better. i feel like my body is resistant to everything, will hormonal acne EVER end on its own ???
:((
Hi Leora,
While I can’t absolutely guarantee it’s going to work for you, it took me a good couple of months before I really saw an obvious difference. So maybe you just need more time.
As for taking a DIM supplement – I recommend Estroblock because I know it works, and it’s supposed to be way more effective and absorptive than other DIM supplements… so theoretically, you’d have to take WAY more of the DIM supplements, and you might not even absorb half it anyway. Hard to say – you can certainly try other DIM supplements if Estroblock is too expensive for you.
The herbs sound like a good mixture. Keep taking those. Also, the difference between Liv-Tox and milk thistle – Liv Tox is a mixed herbal supplement that contains milk thistle but also several other liver support herbs
Also I wanted to ask if you recommend milk thistle for liver detox.. cleanse.. what is the difference with liv-tox and milk thistle?..
Sorry for all my questions.. I find hope in you and Fran .. and hopefully my skin will get better soon.
thank you
I was just wondering if anybody that is using Milk Thistle as a supplement has noticed joint or muscle pain?
My naturopath told me Estroblock will work for most people and a few months is definitely recommended. However, there are a handful of people that estroblock will definitely NOT work for. My naturopath told me to stop taking estroblock because my particular birth control is rendering estroblock completely useless. This is because the particular BC I am on is a synthetic steroid implant that specifically targets supplements like estroblock. the implant works by suppressing every other kind of estrogen – good or bad. Rather than just going on estroblock and hoping for the best, I’d recommend seeing a naturopath to ask their advice. Naturopaths are expensive but so would estroblock be if you’re taking it and it is getting ‘trumped’ by medication/birth control etc.
in my case it appears that sugar & carbohydrates are the real cause of acne + the naturopath took one look at my eyes and said that my stress levels are off the chart – so long story short, please invest in a naturopath if you havent already. oxo
Oh Wow.
The estroblock has been amazing! I have been getting awful spots really close to my mouth and on my chin, cheeks and between my eyes. Two weeks with Natures Way “DIM-plus” (can’t get estroblock easily in New Zealand) and no acne at all, just scarring to get rid of now!
Thanks so much Tracey for writing about this!
And to my lil brother Jack for telling me about your website.
Samantha
Yay! That’s great Sam 🙂 And that’s awesome that the less expensive/easier to find DIM is working well for you – lucky!
Will the DIM work for outrageous cystic acne if I wear a Mirena? My Dr thinks I have a hormonal imbalance and Im waiting for result.
It should help, but if your acne is severe, it might not be the only thing you need to do to get clear!
Hi Tracy,
Thanks so much for this website and the wealth of information! I came here on search for “adult hormonal acne” and I’m ordering Estroblock ASAP. However, I’m also giving the Green Tea Extract thing a try. Do you have any experience with Green Tea Extract? Do you know of any reason why I couldn’t take both at the same time?
Thanks!
Jessica
Hi Jessica, I haven’t done enough research on Green Tea Extract to say one way or the other for sure, but I don’t know of any reason you couldn’t take them together. I don’t actually know of any supplement you can’t take with DIM.
Is there an article that talks more in deep of how dim affects testosterone. Where the high estrogens raise high testosterone?
I don’t have one specifically, this is just what Nick Delgado explained to me (the maker/formulator of Estroblock) on the phone. Estrogens are not the hormones directly responsible for acne (androgens are), so it only makes sense that this is how the mechanism of acne clearing works when you take the supplement (hormones work in ratios and rise and fall in relation to each other).
Thanks, tracey. I saw on amazon that it is promoted as a testosterone booster. Having pcos, that concerns me
Just looking for some clarification 🙂
Ah yes, well, since DIM lowers bad estrogen and increases good estrogen, it essentially raises good testosterone and lowers bad testosterone, if that makes sense. I think the promotion of it being a testosterone booster is mostly aimed at men who take this to get rid of xenoestrogen side effects and boost their good testosterone levels. For women with acne though, that whole line freaks them out!
That new haircut is so attractive on you!
—
One can also buy DIM in other supplements, often for a cheaper price (than what Estroblock seems to be listed for on Amazon tonight), especially if it’s just DIM on its own.
Also, there are some warnings out about the IC3 (I think it is called) that some people take with DIM and which is also in the Estroblock – it may not be as safe to take as DIM, apparently. I think one place where I read that warning was on the Life Extension site (a site that’s usually very much “pro” all sorts of supplements!), but I’ve seen a warning on IC3 in a couple of other sources too.
I’ve read good things about the DIM from Olympian Labs, and by chance I happen to have an unopened bottle of it here on my desk that I ordered a few weeks ago but have been waiting to try until I can retest my female hormone levels and get a new baseline reading before starting on it, since DIM affects the hormones.
I would suggest that any woman thinking of taking any supplements that alter the hormone levels like chasteberry/agnus castus/vitex and DIM, especially when not under the watchful care of a medical professional, should order regular testing of her hormones and make sure the levels and ratios stay in a healthy range.
I am not sure how it works in Canada, but in the US it’s really easy to order your own tests for all kinds of things these days, and it can be cheaper to do this by yourself rather than pay for medical appointments just to get access to testing. (Obviously, the expertise/guidance of a good medical professional is invaluable and is always a bonus if you have a good practitioner to see and if you can afford that kind of health care. Unfortunately a lot of people in the US can’t afford to pay for even the most basic healthcare — even after the new healthcare law will come into effect, since over 20 states have disallowed their residents earning under the poverty line who are adults and who do not have young children, and therefore are not already in the Medicaid program, to get ANY kind of government help with healthcare in the future, which is a tragedy and abomination… but that’s a different topic for a different sort of blog!)
Some of the mainstream websites for ordering these tests are privatemdlabs.com, directlabs.com, and lifeextension.org. They all have various coupon codes available and different permutations and prices of the tests they offer. You can check retailmenot.com for current coupon codes. After you order the tests you want, you get your blood/urine/etc. taken at a local specimen-collecting center (they are all over the US, at least) and they send the specimens to the labs for you.
I got my female hormones tested (about 6 or 7 different measures, via a blood test) in the summer for about $120, which was great. I had the results back in 2 days. I also did a mail-in saliva test on my daily cortisol range and my DHEA level, which was relatively inexpensive (I think $99 via Canary Club) and easy to do.
These tests gave me crucial information about a serious issue that I had not been aware of and which no doctor had ever offered to test me for, even though I had reported to them these symptoms for years. I’m so glad I decided to be proactive about collecting the information on my own, and I am now attempting to address these things with non-prescription and lifestyle solutions.
Note – I’ve also seen some warnings about DIM when it comes to folks with hypothyroidism, and I know there was that one PubMed article about how DIM was not having a goitrogenic effect on some thyroid cells which were being studied, but I don’t think it’s as yet universally considered by every expert to be safe for hypothyroid folks to take. Goitrogens can really have a deleterious effect on some people’s thyroids. The naturopath Chris Kresser has some good blog posts/podcast transcripts about goitrogens.
Good health and serenity to everyone!
(A correction – I’m not sure if Chris Kresser is a “naturopath” specifically, but he is some kind of “alternative” healthcare professional. His site is full of good info and he seems to have a thoughtful, careful, logical approach to health topics.)
Sorry for this additional comment, but I forgot to mention that the potential goitrogenic effects of a supplement like DIM / IC3 (where each pill has the equivalent of several pounds of raw cruciferous vegetables in it) probably should be monitored by checking one’s thyroid measurements (via a broad thyroid test panel, not just one or two of the thyroid measurements) every once in a while. This type of test panel can also be ordered on one’s own, at least in the US.
Hi Tracy! My name is Tashina. I recently found your YouTube channel =) So I ordered some of the Estroblock Triple Strength and took three pills. The next day I woke up with my skin red and itchy. From my arms to my legs, tummy and back. I still plan to take the pill today after a light snack but will not be taking 3 pills again. My questions for you is that do you think I had that reaction from taking three all at once or is it just something I shouldn’t take all together? Best Wishes
It can cause detox (sounds like that’s what it is for you), which might give you detox symptoms for a few days and then go away. If your liver is really congested though, it might not go away. Are you also on a liver support, liv-tox? Also, cut back to one (or even half of one, if you could separate it into two different gel caps) and slowly work your way up to two per day. Or three if you want, but that’s a lot for the triple strength.
Is it true smoking marijuauna can make acne worse?
Well, marijuana is a phytoestrogen so if you are sensitive to estrogen mimickers and smoke a lot of marijuana, it could potentially can make acne worse in that way. The other reason could be if you get the munchies and eat a lot of junk food when you’re high! It’s an individual thing, really. Marijuana may have an effect on some people’s acne but not others.
Hey Tracy,
I just ordered estroblock, but I’m a bit weary. My acne is mainly on my cheeks, and after stopping Vitex a few days ago, my chin acne is clearing up. Will estroblock only help acne, and not make it worse? The Vitex did seem to help my cheeks a bit, but I got more acne on my chin. Also, is milk thistle a strong enough liver detox to take with estroblock, or is liv-tox the way to go?
Hi Tracy,
I’ve been battling severe acne for 17 years. After 10 years of antibiotics (that actually worked), I went to the natural methods & tried all the diets (no sugar, no gluten, no grains etc) and my acne has just continued to get worse.
I did take a saliva hormone test awhile back that said I had very low progesterone & estrogen with very high testosterone. I don’t like to take supplements for this imbalance. I tried estroblock, vitex, spearmint tea etc.. with no benefits.
I’m so desperate & feel so hopeless. If I didn’t have a great boyfriend I would probably be suicidal. Is there any advice you could offer? Thx.
Hi Cristina,
I’m so sorry that nothing seems to work for you so far. in this modern world, you can’t really control everything – stress, enviromental pollution, emotions… Did you try any other lifestyle changes like regular (sweaty) exercise, trying to lower your stress levels via meditation, yoga or whatever else you may prefer, getting enough vitamin d (ideally from sunshine), fresh air and enough sleep? And have you ever downloaded the ebook Skin Deep? It’s about emotions and acne, very well written and totally free! It’s really, really helpful. Here’s the link: http://www.grossbart.com/
Hi Tracy,
Thanks so so much for this article- I felt like I was going crazy thinking that my birth control which contains high estrogen and is apparently ” the best for acne” is making things worse. I’ve switched birth controls 3 times in the last few years and each time theres a higher amount of estradiol(bad estrogen) and I break out more and more everytime- and my oily skin gets worse!! Does this make sense? And would my best bet be to stop taking the BC. I’m seeing a naturopath and will have my saliva results in a week or so.
Hi Shelby,
yes, it does make sense! Stopping BC would definitely be the best bet for you! There’s a good article on the blog about weaning off BC. Make sure to read the comments too! The ladies are very helpful!
https://thelovevitamin.com/769/can-you-wean-off-the-birth-control-pill/
It’s impossible to buy hormone-free dairy. Dairy is
Full if hormones that are supposed to help the baby
cow grow. It’s awful for humans and causes acne and
diseases. 🙁