DHT

Dihydrotestosterone

What's

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a powerful hormone that comes from testosterone, the main male sex hormone, but it's also found in females in smaller amounts. It's created when testosterone interacts with an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which is found in different body tissues like skin, hair follicles, and the prostate. DHT plays a big role in developing male features during puberty, such as a deeper voice, growth of body and facial hair, and the development of the prostate and genitals. In adults, it helps keep these features and also supports sex drive and hair growth. However, DHT can also have negative effects, as it's connected to male pattern baldness and can contribute to prostate growth.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated DHT levels might mean that your body is converting testosterone into DHT more than usual. This can happen for various reasons, such as your genes, hormone imbalances, or lifestyle factors like your diet and stress levels. Some medications or supplements that increase testosterone could also affect your DHT levels. High DHT might be linked to conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, which involves hormone and metabolism issues.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of DHT might include hair loss or thinning, particularly on the scalp, increased body hair growth, acne, and changes in libido. In men, an enlarged prostate and related urinary issues could also be observed.

If Your Levels are Low

Low DHT levels might mean that your body is having trouble making or using this hormone effectively. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as getting older, not getting enough nutrients, or taking certain medications that block the change of testosterone to DHT. Some health issues that could possibly lead to low DHT levels include liver problems, since the liver is important for managing hormones, and conditions that impact the adrenal glands, which help produce hormones. Your genes might also play a part, as some people naturally make less DHT.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of DHT might include reduced body and facial hair growth, decreased libido, and changes in mood or energy levels.

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See References

Test for

Dihydrotestosterone

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) by Access Med Labs

Serum

This is a single-marker test measuring dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is crucial to virilization and is necessary to mitigate estrogen’s effects in men.

Saliva Hormone Opendx Supreme by Access Med Labs

Saliva

The Saliva Hormone Opendx Supreme provides an LC/MS-MS analysis of 11 hormones. This test includes diurnal cortisol.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by Access Labcorp Draw

Serum

This is a single-marker test measuring dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This test may be used for differential diagnosis of diseases of sexual differentiation (DSD).

Comprehensive Female Panel Plus by Access Med Labs

Whole Blood

Serum

The Comprehensive Female Panel Plus measures the levels of several hormones and other markers to provide a comprehensive assessment of a patient's health.

Comprehensive Male Panel Plus by Access Med Labs

Whole Blood

Serum

The Comprehensive Male Panel Plus measures the levels of several hormones and other markers to provide a comprehensive assessment of a patient's health.

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