A Surprising Nutrient May Help Lower PSA Levels and Boost Testosterone in Older Men

A 78-year-old man with rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels—a marker doctors monitor for prostate health—saw his PSA drop from 4.6 to 2.4 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) in just three months after taking a targeted supplement. At the same time, his testosterone increased from 436 ng/dL to 615 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). While this is a single case, it highlights an emerging approach to men's hormonal health that goes beyond conventional treatments.

What Is DIM and How Might It Support Prostate Health?

The supplement in question is diindolylmethane, or DIM, a compound found naturally in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. In this case, the patient took 100 mg per day of a DIM supplement called DIM-Evail for three months as part of a functional medicine approach.

The theory behind DIM's potential benefit involves how the body processes hormones. As men age, an enzyme called aromatase can convert testosterone into estrogen at higher rates. DIM works by modulating estrogen metabolism—essentially helping the body process and balance estrogen more efficiently. By reducing excessive estrogen activity, the thinking goes, the body may be able to maintain healthier testosterone levels and support prostate function.

This patient was particularly motivated to try this approach because he was reluctant to undergo a prostate biopsy, a procedure that involves taking tissue samples from the prostate. While biopsies are a standard diagnostic tool, some men avoid them due to concerns about invasiveness and potential complications. His doctors decided to pursue a functional medicine strategy focused on addressing the hormonal imbalances that were contributing to his rising PSA levels.

What Changed in This Patient's Health Profile?

Over the three-month period, several important markers shifted in a favorable direction. The patient's PSA dropped by approximately 48%, falling from 4.6 to 2.4 ng/mL. His testosterone increased by about 41%, rising from 436 ng/dL to 615 ng/dL. These changes occurred after the patient discontinued certain cholesterol-lowering supplements and began the DIM intervention.

The timing of these improvements—occurring shortly after DIM supplementation began—suggests a possible connection, though researchers emphasize that a single case cannot prove causation. The case report notes that these findings are intriguing but require validation through larger, more rigorous clinical studies before drawing firm conclusions.

Why Does This Matter for Men's Prostate and Hormone Health?

PSA levels and testosterone balance are two interconnected aspects of men's health that become increasingly important with age. Many men experience declining testosterone as they get older—a condition sometimes called andropause or late-onset hypogonadism. At the same time, PSA levels may rise, which can trigger concerns about prostate cancer risk. Finding safe, non-invasive ways to support both markers simultaneously could be valuable for men seeking to maintain hormonal balance without aggressive medical interventions.

The case highlights several key aspects of this functional medicine approach:

• Hormone Modulation: DIM targets the aromatase enzyme to help regulate how testosterone is converted to estrogen, potentially preserving testosterone levels naturally.
• Nutraceutical Intervention: Rather than pharmaceutical drugs, this approach uses a dietary supplement derived from plant compounds found in common vegetables.
• Personalized Assessment: The patient's reluctance to undergo invasive procedures prompted doctors to explore alternative strategies tailored to his preferences and health goals.
• Multiple Biomarker Improvement: The intervention appeared to benefit both PSA levels and testosterone simultaneously, addressing two related hormonal concerns.

It's important to note that this case represents a single patient, not a large-scale study. The findings are preliminary and warrant further investigation. Researchers emphasize that while the results are encouraging, they need to be validated through larger clinical trials involving many more participants before DIM can be recommended as a standard treatment for elevated PSA or low testosterone.

Men experiencing rising PSA levels or declining testosterone should consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. While DIM is derived from food sources and is generally considered safe, individual responses vary, and it may interact with certain medications or health conditions. A doctor can help determine whether this approach is appropriate for your specific situation and monitor your progress with appropriate testing.