DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) vs Nattokinase

Mechanism

DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone, produced primarily by the adrenal zona reticularis. It serves as a precursor for both androgens (testosterone, DHT via 3beta-HSD and 17beta-HSD) and estrogens (estradiol, estrone via aromatase). DHEA-S (sulfated form) acts as a neurosteroid, positively modulating NMDA receptors and antagonizing GABA-A receptors (cognitive enhancement/alertness). It also modulates immune function (enhances Th1 immunity, IL-2 production), supports bone mineral density via estrogenic metabolites, enhances insulin sensitivity via PPAR-alpha activation, and opposes cortisol's catabolic effects (DHEA:cortisol ratio is a stress/aging biomarker).

Standard Dosing

25-50mg daily (men); 10-25mg daily (women)

Timing

Morning (mimics natural circadian peak). With food.

Cycle Duration

Ongoing under supervision with regular blood monitoring (DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol, PSA in men)

Side Effects

• Acne (androgenic)
• Hair loss (androgenic)
• Hirsutism in women
• Mood changes (irritability, aggression)
• Deepening of voice in women (at high doses)
• Insomnia
• Oily skin

Contraindications

• Hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate, breast, ovarian)
• PCOS (may worsen androgen excess)
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Children/adolescents

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Mechanism

Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic serine protease extracted from natto (fermented soybeans). It directly degrades fibrin (the structural protein of blood clots) through four mechanisms: direct fibrinolysis, enhancement of endogenous tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) production, conversion of prourokinase to urokinase, and degradation of PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1). It also reduces blood viscosity and may inhibit ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), providing mild antihypertensive effects.

Standard Dosing

2000-4000 FU (fibrinolytic units) daily, equivalent to 100-200mg

Timing

On empty stomach, between meals or before bed. Morning and evening split dosing for 24-hour fibrinolytic coverage.

Cycle Duration

ongoing

Side Effects

• Easy bruising
• Nosebleeds
• GI upset
• Rare: serious bleeding events

Contraindications

• Active bleeding or bleeding disorders
• Scheduled surgery (discontinue 2+ weeks prior)
• Concurrent anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy
• Hemorrhagic stroke history
• Soy allergy
• Active bleeding
• Bleeding disorders
• Pre-surgery (stop 2 weeks prior)
• Concurrent anticoagulation therapy without physician supervision

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