Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Test

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a sex hormone similar to testosterone. DHT is technically an androgen—a hormone that regulates the development of the male sex organs and reproductive system. Androgens are also responsible for the biological characteristics of males, like a deep voice and facial, body, and pubic hair. Although deemed the “male sex hormone,” women also have DHT, just in smaller amounts. In a woman's body, DHT is converted to estradiol (a form of estrogen), a hormone that supports the growth and development of the reproductive organs. It is thought that DHT may also play a role in puberty for women. 

Sometimes, DHT can become imbalanced, either there is too little or too much DHT than normal. This imbalance can cause unwanted symptoms for both men and women.

What to Expect From a Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Test

This dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blood test measures the amount of DHT hormone in the blood.

A DHT test requires a blood drawn from the arm. Once you’ve placed your order on our website, bring your test requisition form to a laboratory that is closest to you. Find convenient locations using our lab locator. The results of your test will arrive confidentially to your HealthLabs.com account. Most results arrive in one to three business days.

Symptoms of a Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Imbalance

Low levels of DHT do not seem to have an impact on women other than delaying the onset of puberty. However, when men have low levels of DHT, this can cause: 

• The sex organs to develop later than normal or incomplete development
• The body to redistribute fat differently, leading to conditions like gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)
• An increase in the risk of developing prostate tumors

When women have high levels of DHT, this can cause:

• Hair loss that occurs in irregular patterns
• Acne
• An increase in body, facial, and/or pubic hair
• A cease of menstrual periods

When men have high levels of DHT, this can cause:

• Hair loss that occurs in irregular patterns
• The skin to heal more slowly after an injury
• A decrease in sex drive
• Infertility
• A loss of bone density
• A loss of muscle strength
• Coronary heart disease
• Enlarged prostate
• Prostate cancer

Who Should Get Tested for a Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Imbalance?

Men and women who experience symptoms of DHT imbalance may consider testing to understand whether a DHT imbalance is the cause of their symptoms. 

This test can also be used to monitor DHT levels for individuals who are currently receiving treatment for a testosterone or DHT imbalance. 

Diagnosis & Treatment

Higher levels than normal of DHT can be treated using medications that either reduce the body’s production of DHT or prevent DHT from binding to certain cells in the body; for example, receptors in hair follicles cells that, when bound to DHT, shrink hair follicles and lead to hair loss.

Lower levels than normal of DHT can be treated using testosterone replacement therapy. When there is more testosterone available in the body, more of it can be converted to DHT. 

With proper treatment, individuals in partnership with their doctors can normalize DHT levels in the body and control symptoms.

Sources:

1. “Androgen.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/androgen 
2. “Everything You Need to Know About DHT.” Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/68082.php
3. “Androgen.” Healthy Women. https://www.healthywomen.org/condition/androgen
4. “What Is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?” Very Well Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-dihydrotestosterone-4684657
5. “What You Need to Know About DHT and Hair Loss.” Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dht#purpose-and-function
6. “Enlarged Breasts in Men (Gynecomastia).” Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gynecomastia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351793