Estrogen Nutrients - How to Use This Formula

Guidance From Dr. Lynch

By Dr. Ben Lynch, ND Bestselling Author of Dirty Genes | Founder, Seeking Health

Estrogen Nutrients is a comprehensive formula designed to provide nutritional support for healthy estrogen metabolism at every major step: supporting balanced estrogen production, supporting Phase I and Phase II liver processing, promoting healthy gut elimination, supporting a healthy response to reactive estrogen metabolites, and supporting methylation for final clearance.†

This guide will help you get the most out of it, understand what your body may experience, and know when to adjust.

I formulated this because most estrogen support supplements only address one pathway, typically DIM. But estrogen metabolism involves multiple interconnected pathways that benefit from coordinated support. Estrogen Nutrients addresses production balance through aromatase support, Phase I metabolism through CYP1A1/CYP1A2 enzyme activity, Phase II conjugation through glucuronidation, gut elimination through beta-glucuronidase inhibition, and response to reactive estrogen metabolites through Nrf2 activation and NQO1 cofactor support.† 1,2,3

Most people use DIM alone, but if your glucuronidation pathways are sluggish, or if beta-glucuronidase activity is elevated, estrogen can recirculate even with DIM support. Calcium D-glucarate addresses this by inhibiting beta-glucuronidase in the gut, ensuring estrogens actually make it out through your stool rather than getting reabsorbed.4,5 Luteolin and Siliphos work together to support healthy aromatase activity and normal estrogen metabolism.6,7 Riboflavin supports NQO1 enzyme function and MTHFR activity, both important for healthy estrogen metabolite processing and methylation.8 Sulforaphane (as Broccophanin) supports the body’s natural antioxidant response to estrogen metabolites.9 And molybdenum supports sulfite oxidase function to promote comfort for those sensitive to the sulfur compounds in DIM and I3C.† 10

As always, I recommend working with a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you’re new to supporting your estrogen metabolism.

How to Take It

Standard Serving (Most Women and Men)

The standard serving size is 2 capsules per day with food. Take with any meal containing some fat. The phospholipid-bound ingredients (Siliphos® milk thistle and luteolin) are designed for enhanced absorption when taken with dietary fat. Research on phytosome complexes demonstrates that phospholipid binding can increase bioavailability up to ten fold compared to unbound forms†.7

Morning or midday is generally preferable. Some individuals find the formula’s liver support nutrients provide a sense of supported energy, so taking it later in the evening may not be ideal for everyone.†

Consistency matters most. Your body metabolizes estrogen daily, so consistent daily use provides ongoing nutritional support for that process.†

If You’re New to Estrogen Support Nutrients

Consider starting at 1 capsule per day for the first 5 to 7 days. This is especially worth considering if you’re sensitive to new supplements, have reacted to DIM or detox support nutrients in the past. After 5 to 7 days, you can move to the full 2 capsule serving if you feel comfortable.

Timing for Cycling Women

If you’re ovulating and experiencing occasional premenstrual discomfort such as breast tenderness, bloating, or mood fluctuations, consider starting Estrogen Nutrients approximately 10 days before ovulation. Then stop taking it on the day of ovulation.

Why stop at ovulation? After ovulation, estrogen levels naturally decline. Many women experience their lowest estrogen levels during this post-ovulatory phase. Since estrogen plays a role in supporting healthy dopamine and norepinephrine levels, you don’t want to further reduce estrogen during this time when it’s already dropping.11 We’re aiming for supporting estrogen balance, not low estrogen.†

Signs you may need to pause: If you experience low mood, difficulty concentrating, or poor focus while taking Estrogen Nutrients, consider pausing supplementation. These can be signs that your estrogen may have dropped too low. Estrogen supports healthy dopamine and norepinephrine production, neurotransmitters essential for focus, motivation, and mood stability.11

For Those on Testosterone Support

If you’re using testosterone support, consider taking Estrogen Nutrients daily. Testosterone naturally converts to estrogen through aromatase enzyme activity.12 Supporting healthy estrogen metabolism while on testosterone therapy helps maintain balanced hormone levels. This applies to both men and women. Estrogen Nutrients may be used alongside Testosterone Nutrients, as the formulas provide complementary nutritional support. Work with your healthcare provider to determine what’s appropriate for your individual needs.†

What You May Notice

Estrogen Nutrients provides ongoing nutritional support for a continuous biological process.†Individual experiences vary based on genetics, diet, lifestyle, and overall health.

Within the First Few Weeks

Some areas where women and men commonly report noticing a difference over time include digestive comfort (particularly around the monthly cycle for women), emotional steadiness, healthy sleep quality, and absence of occasional water retention or puffiness.†

Over 1 to 3 Months of Consistent Use

Menstrual comfort, less occasional breast tenderness, clear skin, feeling like themselves overall, and sharp mental clarity. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, women taking DIM (one of the key ingredients in this formula) demonstrated a significant and sustained shift in urinary estrogen metabolism favoring a higher 2-OHE1 to 16α-OHE1 ratio, with measurable changes observed by 6 weeks and sustained through 12 months.†13

Everyone’s timeline is different. Your genetics, gut health, dietary habits, lifestyle, and how long your body has needed additional support all play a role. Be patient with the process.

When to Adjust

If You Experience Initial Sensitivity

Some individuals notice their body adjusting during the first few days. This may include mild digestive changes, occasional headaches, or temporary skin changes as your liver’s natural processes are being more actively supported nutritionally.†

What to do: Reduce to 1 capsule per day for 1 to 2 weeks. Ensure you’re taking it with food. Support healthy elimination through hydration, fiber, and regular daily bowel movements. If sensitivity continues beyond 2 weeks at the lower serving, discontinue and consult your healthcare provider.

If You’d Like Additional Support After 6 to 8 Weeks

Before making changes to your serving size, evaluate whether these foundational factors are in place:

• Healthy elimination: Regular daily bowel movements are essential for your body's natural estrogen elimination process. Nutritional support for liver metabolism is most effective when gut motility is functioning well. Research shows that constipation is associated with estrogen recirculation through enterohepatic cycling, meaning estrogens that were supposed to be excreted get reabsorbed back into circulation.⁴,⁵
• If you are not having a daily bowel movement, consider adding Bile Nutrients. Take 2 to 4 capsules before dinner until a healthy daily bowel movement occurs. Once regularity is established, many individuals find that 2 capsules before dinner 3 nights a week is sufficient for maintenance. Bile supports the body's natural digestive process and plays a direct role in estrogen elimination through the stool, so addressing this foundation can meaningfully support your results with Estrogen Nutrients.†
• Environmental awareness: Reducing exposure to xenoestrogens in plastics, fragrances, and pesticides may help reduce the total load your liver is processing. Sauna is very helpful here or simply sweating in general. Adding a water filter to your home and workplace is also essential to filter out chemicals.
• Genetic awareness: A StrateGene® Report can help you and your healthcare provider understand your unique genetic picture, including COMT, MTHFR, GSR, SOD, GPX, GST, and UGT variants.
• Foundational nutrition and lifestyle: Sleep, stress management, movement, hydration, and adequate protein all support the biological pathways this formula is designed to nourish.

If you’d like personalized guidance, I always recommend working with a healthcare professional who understands estrogen metabolism and nutrigenomics.

Consistent Use vs. Taking Breaks

Your body metabolizes estrogen every day. It's a continuous process, not a seasonal one. For most women and men, consistent daily use provides the most meaningful ongoing support during the initial period of supporting balance. This isn't a cleanse or a short-term protocol, but it also doesn't have to be forever.†

That said, after 3 or more months of consistent use, some individuals explore reducing to 1 capsule per day to find their minimum effective serving. If you notice a difference at the lower serving, your body may still benefit from the full 2 capsule serving. If you feel the same, your foundational health habits may be supporting you well, and you may be ready to take a break entirely.

Once your estrogen levels are balanced and your lab work confirms healthy metabolite ratios, many individuals find they can stop Estrogen Nutrients and maintain their results through diet, lifestyle, and foundational habits alone. If symptoms return or follow-up labs show that support could be beneficial, you can resume. This formula is designed to be used as needed. Some people use it consistently for several months, take a break, and return to it during times of increased demand such as periods of higher stress, dietary changes, reduced exercise, or increased environmental estrogen exposure.†

Some practitioners recommend aligning supplement use with the menstrual cycle: full serving during the luteal phase (after ovulation through menstruation), reduced serving or pause fully during the follicular phase. This is optional and best discussed with your healthcare provider.

Additional Supplement Support

Estrogen Nutrients provides comprehensive multi-pathway support, but certain individuals may benefit from adding targeted nutritional support to further optimize their estrogen metabolism. These two supplements complement Estrogen Nutrients by supporting pathways that work upstream and alongside the formula.†

Bile Nutrients

Why it matters for estrogen metabolism: Every pathway in this formula, the aromatase support, the Phase I hydroxylation, the Phase II glucuronidation, the methylation through COMT, all of it ultimately depends on one thing: getting processed estrogens out of your body through your stool. If bowel movements are sluggish or inconsistent, beta-glucuronidase from gut bacteria can deconjugate estrogens that were already packaged for elimination and send them right back into circulation.⁴,⁵ This is one of the most overlooked bottlenecks in estrogen metabolism.

Bile acids play a direct role in this process. They emulsify and transport conjugated estrogen metabolites into the intestinal lumen for excretion. Adequate bile flow supports not only fat digestion and nutrient absorption but also the physical movement of waste through the intestines, promoting the daily bowel motility that estrogen clearance depends on.

For both women and men: Constipation and sluggish bile flow are not sex specific. Men and women both require efficient gut elimination to clear processed estrogens. Men on testosterone support who are producing more estrogen through aromatase conversion have the same downstream elimination demands.

How to use: Take 2 to 4 capsules before dinner until a healthy daily bowel movement is established. Once regularity is consistent, many individuals find that 2 capsules before dinner 3 nights a week is sufficient for maintenance. Once estrogen levels are balanced and bowel habits are solid on their own, Bile Nutrients can be paused and resumed as needed.

Recommended: Bile Nutrients from Seeking Health.

Optimal Magnesium

Why it matters for estrogen metabolism: Your body has an enzyme called COMT that is responsible for neutralizing reactive estrogen metabolites through methylation. Think of COMT as the cleanup crew that takes potentially harmful forms of estrogen (the 2-hydroxy and 4-hydroxy metabolites) and converts them into safer, easier to excrete forms called methoxy estrogens. Magnesium is required for COMT to do this job.¹⁴,¹⁵ Without enough magnesium, COMT slows down, and those reactive estrogen metabolites can accumulate.¹⁶ When they accumulate, they are more likely to undergo oxidation into compounds that can damage DNA.†¹⁷

Research has shown that COMT activity is directly proportional to magnesium concentration, meaning more magnesium equals more efficient estrogen clearance through this pathway.¹⁶ Magnesium is also needed to produce SAMe, the methyl donor that COMT uses to do its work.¹⁴,¹⁵ So magnesium supports this pathway at two critical points: it keeps the enzyme running and it helps produce the fuel the enzyme needs.†

For both women and men: Men metabolize estrogen through the same COMT pathway, and men on testosterone support may have increased estrogen production through aromatase conversion, making COMT support even more relevant.

Recommended: Optimal Magnesium from Seeking Health. Take as directed on the label.

Fish Oil

Why it matters for estrogen metabolism: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil support a healthy inflammatory response to estrogen fluctuations. When estrogen levels shift, the body can produce pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that amplify symptoms like breast tenderness, cramping, and bloating. EPA and DHA from fish oil support a healthy response by producing molecules called resolvins and protectins that promote a healthy inflammatory response, while supporting balance of the pro-inflammatory signals†.¹⁸,²⁰

Fish oil also supports how your cells respond to estrogen. Omega-3 fatty acids are building blocks of cell membranes, and healthier membranes mean estrogen receptors function more efficiently.²⁰ Research in a controlled crossover feeding trial found that women on a high omega-3 diet showed greater urinary estrogen excretion, suggesting that omega-3 intake may support the body's ability to move estrogen out more effectively.¹⁹†

For postmenopausal women, omega-3 supplementation supports healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels during a time when declining estrogen makes lipid metabolism less efficient.²¹ There is also evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may help support joint and muscle comfort in women using aromatase-modulating compounds, making fish oil a natural complement to Estrogen Nutrients.²²†

For both women and men: The inflammatory response and membrane support benefits of omega-3 fatty acids apply regardless of sex. Men on testosterone support may find fish oil particularly valuable, as testosterone conversion to estrogen through aromatase creates the same inflammatory and metabolic demands downstream.†

Recommended: Fish Oil from Seeking Health. Take as directed on the label.

Lab Testing, Monitoring, and Follow-Up

Because Estrogen Nutrients is a comprehensive formulation working through multiple pathways, I recommend working with your healthcare provider to measure your estrogen levels periodically. The goal is balanced estrogen, not too high and not too low.

What to Test

• Estrogen fractionation test: This is the most useful lab for monitoring your estrogen metabolism. A standard estradiol test only tells you about one form of estrogen. A fractionation test shows your levels of the three main estrogens: E1 (estrone), E2 (estradiol), and E3 (estriol). You want a balanced amount of each one. Your healthcare provider can help interpret these results and guide your supplementation accordingly.
• Urinary estrogen metabolite testing: For a deeper picture of how your body is processing estrogen, consider a dried urine hormone metabolite test (such as the DUTCH Test or similar comprehensive panels). These tests measure not just parent estrogens but their metabolites, including the 2-hydroxy, 4-hydroxy, and 16α-hydroxy pathways, as well as the downstream methylated (methoxy) metabolites.23 This gives you and your provider a detailed view of how efficiently each phase of estrogen metabolism is working. The ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16α-hydroxyestrone has been used as a marker of estrogen metabolism favorability in multiple clinical trials.13,24,25
• Supportive labs to consider: Homocysteine (elevated levels inhibit COMT activity14,16), RBC magnesium (as magnesium is a required COMT cofactor16), and serum ferritin (iron supports BH4 production, which is needed for dopamine synthesis, relevant when balancing estrogen’s effects on neurotransmitter pathways).

When to Test: Recommended Timeline

• Baseline (before starting): Ideally, obtain a baseline estrogen fractionation test or urinary metabolite panel before you begin Estrogen Nutrients. This gives you and your healthcare provider a reference point for comparison. The case report by Newman et al. (2025) demonstrated the clinical value of measuring estrogen metabolites before and after each intervention, allowing providers to observe step-by-step metabolic changes and make informed adjustments.23
• 6 to 8 weeks: Clinical trial data shows that DIM produces measurable shifts in urinary estrogen metabolite ratios by 6 weeks of supplementation. In the Thomson et al. (2017) randomized, placebo-controlled trial, a significant and sustained shift in the 2-OHE1 to 16α-OHE1 ratio was observed by the 6-week time point.13 This is a reasonable interval for a first follow-up to assess whether the formula is shifting your metabolism in the desired direction. A phase I clinical trial of I3C in women showed that 400 mg daily produced a 66% increase in the favorable 2-hydroxyestrone to 16α-hydroxyestrone ratio.1 These shifts can be captured in urinary testing at this time point.
• 3 months: This is the time point where most individuals will have established a consistent metabolic response. Retest to confirm that the initial shifts have been sustained and to evaluate whether dosage adjustments are warranted. This aligns with the general clinical practice of testing hormones every 3 to 6 months during the initial phase of any hormonal support intervention.26
• 6 months and beyond: Once your levels are stable and within a range you and your provider are comfortable with, testing every 6 to 12 months is generally appropriate for ongoing monitoring. Clinical guidelines for hormone therapy monitoring recommend this maintenance testing frequency.26 If you make significant changes to diet, lifestyle, medications, or supplement regimen, retest sooner.
• For cycling women: When using urinary metabolite testing, collect your sample on days 18 to 25 of the menstrual cycle (the luteal phase) for the most consistent results. This is the standardized collection window used in clinical research on estrogen metabolites.25 Follow-up testing should be performed on corresponding days of the cycle for accurate comparison.

Interpreting Your Results With Your Provider

• The goal is not just to lower estrogen across the board. Estrogen serves essential functions in bone health, cardiovascular health, brain function, and mood. You want efficient metabolism and healthy clearance, not depletion.
• Look at the full metabolite picture, not just one ratio. The 2/16 ratio gets a lot of attention, but the 4-hydroxy pathway and methylation efficiency (the ratio of 2-methoxyestrone to 2-hydroxyestrone, for example) provide additional meaningful clinical information.23,24
• If your provider sees that 2-hydroxy and 4-hydroxy metabolites are elevated but methylated (methoxy) forms are low, that may indicate a need for additional methylation support through Homocysteine Nutrients or Optimal Magnesium, or further investigation into COMT status through a StrateGene® Report.

Specific Situations

Perimenopause and Menopause

During perimenopause, hormone levels fluctuate significantly. Your body continues to metabolize estrogen throughout this transition and beyond. The standard 2 capsule serving applies. If you are using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), consult your prescribing physician before adding any new supplement to your routine.

Men

Men produce and metabolize estrogen as well.12 The standard serving of 2 capsules per day with food applies. Estrogen Nutrients may be used alongside Testosterone Nutrients, as the formulas provide complementary nutritional support. Work with your healthcare provider to determine what’s appropriate for your individual needs.†

Consult Your Healthcare Provider Before Use If You:

• Are taking hormonal medications (birth control, HRT, or anti-estrogen drugs).
• Are taking blood thinners or medications metabolized by the liver.
• Have a diagnosed liver or thyroid condition.
• Have any other medical condition or are taking prescription medication.

Do not use Estrogen Nutrients if you are pregnant or nursing. This formula contains ingredients that actively modulate estrogen metabolism, including DIM, I3C, and luteolin, which are not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Quick Reference

This formula is what I wish I could have handed people years ago instead of writing out a list of five different supplements.

— Dr. Ben Lynch, ND

References

1. Reed GA, Peterson KS, Smith HJ, et al. A phase I study of indole-3-carbinol in women: tolerability and effects. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2005;14(8):1953-1960.
2. Thomson CA, Ho E, Strom MB. Chemopreventive properties of 3,3’-diindolylmethane in breast cancer: evidence from experimental and human studies. Nutr Rev. 2016;74(7):432-443.
3. Yang L, Zahid M, Liao Y, et al. Reduced formation of depurinating estrogen-DNA adducts by sulforaphane or KEAP1 disruption in human mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells. Carcinogenesis. 2013;34(11):2587-2592.
4. Walaszek Z, Szemraj J, Narog M, et al. Metabolism, uptake and excretion of a D-glucaric acid salt and its potential use in cancer prevention. Cancer Detect Prev. 1997;21(2):178-190.
5. Dwivedi C, Heck WJ, Downie AA, et al. Effect of calcium glucarate on beta-glucuronidase activity and glucarate content of certain vegetables and fruits. Biochem Med Metab Biol. 1990;43(2):83-92.
6. Lu DF, Yang LJ, Wang F, Zhang GL. Inhibitory effect of luteolin on estrogen biosynthesis in human ovarian granulosa cells by suppression of aromatase (CYP19). J Agric Food Chem. 2012;60(34):8411-8418.
7. Kidd PM. Bioavailability and activity of phytosome complexes from botanical polyphenols: the silymarin, curcumin, green tea, and grape seed extracts. Altern Med Rev. 2009;14(3):226-246.
8. Kim DH, Jin YH, Park JB, Kobashi K. Silymarin and its components are inhibitors of beta-glucuronidase. Biol Pharm Bull. 1994;17(3):443-445.
9. Gaikwad NW, Yang L, Muti P, et al. The molecular etiology of breast cancer: evidence from biomarkers of risk. Int J Cancer. 2008;122(9):1949-1957.
10. Abumrad NN, Schneider AJ, Steel D, Rogers LS. Amino acid intolerance during prolonged total parenteral nutrition reversed by molybdate therapy. Am J Clin Nutr. 1981;34(11):2551-2559.
11. Morssinkhof MWL, van Wylick DW, Priber S, et al. Associations between sex hormones, sleep problems and depression: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2020;118:669-680.
12. Zitzmann M, Nieschlag E. Testosterone levels in healthy men and the relation to behavioural and physical characteristics: facts and constructs. Eur J Endocrinol. 2001;144(3):183-197.
13. Thomson CA, Chow HHS, Wertheim BC, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of diindolylmethane for breast cancer biomarker modulation in patients taking tamoxifen. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2017;165(1):97-107.
14. Ball P, Knuppen R, Haupt M, Breuer H. Interactions between estrogens and catechol amines. 3. Studies on the methylation of catechol estrogens, catechol amines and other catechols by the catechol-O-methyltransferases of human liver. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1972;34(4):736-746.
15. DNAlysis Academy. COMT: catechol-O-methyltransferase. COMT requires SAMe and magnesium as cofactors for this process of methylation. Available at: https://dnalife.academy/comt/. Accessed 2025.
16. Tanaka R, Miyazaki T, Luo Y, et al. Dietary magnesium insufficiency induces salt-sensitive hypertension in mice associated with reduced kidney catechol-O-methyl transferase activity. Hypertension. 2021;78(1):174-186.
17. Zahid M, Kohli E, Saeed M, Rogan E, Cavalieri E. The greater reactivity of estradiol-3,4-quinone vs estradiol-2,3-quinone with DNA in the formation of depurinating adducts: implications for tumor-initiating activity. Chem Res Toxicol. 2006;19(1):164-172.
18. Simopoulos AP. Women and omega-3 fatty acids. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2004;59(10):722-730.
19. Young LR, Raatz SK, Thomas W, Redmon JB, Kurzer MS. Total dietary fat and omega-3 fatty acids have modest effects on urinary sex hormones in postmenopausal women. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2013;10:36.
20. Frontiers in Nutrition. Association between polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and estradiol levels among U.S. women. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1500705.
21. Wang X, Varkaneh HK, Abu-Zaid A, et al. Does omega-3 fatty acid supplementation have favorable effects on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women? A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Ther. 2023;45(1):e17-e29.
22. Hershman DL, Unger JM, Crew KD, et al. Randomized multicenter placebo-controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids for the control of aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal pain: SWOG S0927. J Clin Oncol. 2015;33(17):1910-1917.
23. Newman MS, Smeaton J, Javed A. Clinical utility of urine hormone metabolite testing in personalized medicine: a case report of a male patient with low testosterone. PMC. 2025.
24. Newman MS, Smeaton J. Exploring the impact of 3,3’-diindolylmethane on the urinary estrogen profile of premenopausal women. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024;24(1):405.
25. Kotsopoulos J, Chen Z, Vallis KA, et al. 3,3-Diindolylmethane (DIM): a nutritional intervention and its impact on breast density in healthy BRCA carriers. A prospective clinical trial. Carcinogenesis. 2020;41(10):1395-1401.
26. Walk-In Lab. Hormone replacement monitoring with lab tests. Testing frequency: baseline testing occurs before starting therapy, followed by testing every 3-6 months initially, then annually. 2025.

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.