Cervical dysplasia is a condition in which cells that are part of your cervix, the lower part of your uterus, become abnormal. These changes are often detected when you have a Pap smear, which allows a laboratory to examine cells from the surface of your cervix microscopically. Cervical dysplasia is not cancer, but it may become cancerous with time. Diindolylmethane, or DIM, is an herbal supplement that may help slow changes in your cervix and prevent development of cervical cancer.
Causes and Risk Factors
Cervical dysplasia usually develops between the ages of 25 and 35, according to PubMed Health. The cause in most cases is infection with the human papilloma virus, or HPV, which is contracted through sexual contact. Risk factors for cervical dysplasia include becoming sexually active earlier than age 18, giving birth as a teenager, smoking or having many sexual partners. Your risk for cervical dysplasia is also increased if your immune system is suppressed through illness or immunosuppressive medications.
Diindolylmethane
When you consume cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, a compound called glucobrassicin in the vegetable is broken down in your digestive tract to indole-3-carbinol. Because your stomach contains acid, indole-3-carbinol molecules aggregate and form another compound called diindolylmethane, or DIM. DIM supplements are widely available and have a number of positive health benefits. DIM increases the activity of enzymes that help to protect you from carcinogens and other toxic compounds. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, DIM also blocks division of cancerous cells and slows invasion of healthy tissue by cancer cells.
Cervical Dysplasia Research
A number of research studies suggest that DIM may inhibit development of cervical dysplasia or help reverse the condition when it is already present. In a laboratory study published in "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention" in 2009, laboratory animals genetically disposed to develop cervical dysplasia that were fed DIM developed substantially less severe cases than did animals fed a placebo. In a pilot clinical study published in "Gynecology and Oncology" in 2010, women with cervical dysplasia who took DIM for 12 weeks had significantly improved signs of the disorder on Pap smears than a placebo group.
Recommendations
DIM supplements are available from most health food stores in capsules. Although a recommended dose has not been established, the daily dose used in some clinical studies was 108 mg. DIM supplements are generally considered safe, although they may interfere with some prescription medications. Consult your doctor to decide if taking DIM might be a good choice for your situation.
References
- PubMed Health: Cervical Dysplasia
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Diindolylmethane
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention"; Diindolylmethane Inhibits Cervical Dysplasia, Alters Estrogen Metabolism, and Enhances Immune Response...; D. Sepkovic, et al.; November 2009
- "Gynecology and Oncology"; Oral Diindolylmethane (DIM): Pilot Evaluation of a Nonsurgical Treatment for Cervical Dysplasia; G. Del Priore, et al.; March 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute: Indole-3-Carbinol
