Dihydrotestosterone
A potent androgen made from testosterone, important for male development, prostate growth and hair loss.
| Typical reference range (male) | 30–85 ng/dL |
| Typical reference range (female) | 4–22 ng/dL |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
DHT is formed from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase in the prostate, skin and hair follicles. It binds the androgen receptor more strongly than testosterone.
Why it matters
DHT drives male genital development, prostate growth, body and facial hair and male-pattern baldness. It is measured when evaluating 5-alpha reductase deficiency, hirsutism, or the effect of finasteride or dutasteride.
What a high result can mean
High levels occur with testosterone therapy (especially transdermal), androgen excess in women (PCOS, hirsutism) and DHT supplementation.
What a low result can mean
Low levels occur with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride lower DHT by about 70-95%), hypogonadism and 5-alpha reductase deficiency.
What affects the result
Measured most accurately by LC/MS/MS. Topical testosterone raises DHT more than injections.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in ng/dL.
- From nmol/L: multiply by 29.04 to get ng/dL
- From pg/mL: multiply by 0.1 to get ng/dL
- From pmol/L: multiply by 0.029 to get ng/dL
Also called on lab reports
DHT, Dihydrotestosterone, Serum, 5-alpha-Dihydrotestosterone, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Related tests: Sex Hormones
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.