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Di Hydro Testosterone (DHT)

Reproductive
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Report in 12Hrs

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At Home

nofastingrequire

No Fasting Required

Details

Measures total testosterone for assessment of male hypogonadism, PCOS, and infertility.

₹1,499₹3,200

53% OFF

DiHydroTestosterone (DHT) Test Information Guide

  • Why is it done?
    • Measures levels of dihydrotestosterone, a potent androgen hormone derived from testosterone through the action of 5-alpha reductase enzyme
    • Evaluates androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss) - DHT is the primary hormone responsible for hair follicle miniaturization
    • Assesses benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate-related conditions in men
    • Investigates symptoms of hyperandrogenism in women, such as hirsutism, acne, and virilization
    • Monitors efficacy of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride) in treating hair loss and BPH
    • Evaluates cases of androgen insensitivity syndrome or other disorders of sexual development
    • Assesses polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women with elevated androgenic symptoms
    • Typically performed when patients present with androgen-dependent conditions or when monitoring hormonal therapies
  • Normal Range
    • Adult Males: 30-85 ng/dL (1.0-2.9 nmol/L)
    • Adult Females: 4-22 ng/dL (0.14-0.76 nmol/L)
    • Reference ranges vary by laboratory: Always consult the specific laboratory reference values as they may differ based on testing methodology
    • Units of Measurement: ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) or nmol/L (nanomoles per liter)
    • Normal Result: DHT levels within the reference range indicate normal hormone metabolism and function
    • High DHT: May indicate increased androgen activity, androgen-secreting tumors, or conditions causing hyperandrogenism
    • Low DHT: May suggest 5-alpha reductase deficiency, response to 5-alpha reductase inhibitor therapy, or hypogonadism
  • Interpretation
    • Elevated DHT in Males: May contribute to androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), benign prostatic hyperplasia, and increased risk of prostate issues; suggests increased sensitivity to DHT or elevated enzyme activity
    • Elevated DHT in Females: Associated with hirsutism (excessive facial/body hair), acne, seborrhea, androgenetic alopecia, and may indicate PCOS, adrenal disorders, or ovarian tumors
    • Low DHT with Elevated Testosterone: Indicates impaired 5-alpha reductase activity; commonly seen in patients taking finasteride or dutasteride (5-alpha reductase inhibitors)
    • Low DHT with Low Testosterone: Suggests hypogonadism, 5-alpha reductase deficiency, or endocrine dysfunction requiring further evaluation
    • Factors Affecting DHT Levels: Age (decreases with aging), genetics, medications (5-alpha reductase inhibitors), body weight, insulin levels, time of day (DHT has circadian variation), recent illness or stress
    • Clinical Significance: DHT is more potent than testosterone in androgen-sensitive tissues; DHT levels correlate better with symptoms of androgenetic alopecia and prostate conditions than testosterone alone; genetic predisposition and tissue sensitivity determine whether elevated DHT causes clinical symptoms
    • Borderline Values: May require repeat testing and assessment of clinical symptoms; correlation with free testosterone and other androgens is essential for accurate interpretation
  • Associated Organs
    • Primary Organs: Testes (primary production in males), ovaries (secondary production in females), adrenal glands (minor contribution)
    • Androgen-Sensitive Tissues: Hair follicles, sebaceous glands, prostate gland, external genitalia
    • Endocrine System: Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis regulates DHT production
    • Associated Conditions - Elevated DHT: Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss), benign prostatic hyperplasia, acne vulgaris, hirsutism, seborrheic dermatitis, polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia
    • Associated Conditions - Low DHT: 5-alpha reductase deficiency, hypogonadism, response to hormone-blocking therapy, certain endocrine disorders
    • Potential Complications of Elevated DHT: Progressive hair loss, psychological distress from cosmetic changes, urinary symptoms from prostate enlargement, fertility issues if associated with testicular dysfunction
    • Risk Factors: Strong family history of androgenetic alopecia, genetic predisposition to androgen sensitivity, PCOS in females, aging in males
  • Follow-up Tests
    • Testosterone (Total and Free): Recommended to assess overall androgen status and differentiate between primary androgen excess and elevated DHT from enhanced conversion
    • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): Measures binding capacity; low SHBG increases free androgen availability and may correlate with androgen-dependent symptoms
    • Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Assess pituitary-gonadal function; particularly important if hypogonadism is suspected
    • Androstenedione: Evaluate if congenital adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal sources of androgens are suspected
    • Prolactin: May be evaluated if hyperprolactinemia could contribute to hormonal imbalance
    • Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T4): Important for women with suspected PCOS or other endocrine disorders affecting hair and skin
    • Fasting Glucose and Insulin: Assess insulin resistance, particularly relevant in PCOS evaluation
    • Pelvic or Abdominal Ultrasound: May be recommended if ovarian or adrenal tumors are suspected as DHT source
    • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): May be monitored in men with elevated DHT and symptoms of BPH
    • Monitoring Frequency: Typically repeated 8-12 weeks after initiating 5-alpha reductase inhibitor therapy to assess efficacy; thereafter annually or as clinically indicated; more frequent monitoring if adjusting treatment
  • Fasting Required?
    • Fasting Requirement: NO - Fasting is not required for DHT testing
    • Timing Considerations: Blood draw should preferably be performed in the morning (8-10 AM) as DHT exhibits circadian variation with higher levels in early morning; consistent timing is recommended for repeat testing
    • Medications to Avoid: Inform laboratory personnel of all medications, especially 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride), spironolactone, and other antiandrogens, as these significantly affect DHT levels and interpretation
    • Patient Preparation Requirements: No special preparation needed; patient may eat and drink normally; wear comfortable clothing with loose sleeves for easy blood draw access
    • Lifestyle Factors: Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before testing; minimize physical stress 24 hours prior; adequate sleep recommended as sleep deprivation may affect hormone levels
    • Women-Specific Instructions: If menstruating, testing is ideally performed during the follicular phase (days 3-5 of menstrual cycle) when DHT levels are more stable; inform laboratory of cycle day if possible
    • Supplements: Disclose use of DHT-related supplements (saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, pygeum) as these may affect results; no specific discontinuation period required unless directed by physician

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