The potent androgen that drives pattern hair loss and prostate growth.
Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a potent androgen the body makes from testosterone using the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. It is several times stronger than testosterone at the receptor and acts mainly in the skin, hair follicles, and prostate.
DHT is tested when androgen activity seems out of step with testosterone, for example in male-pattern hair loss, body and facial hair changes, or when a 5-alpha-reductase issue is suspected. It also relates to prostate growth in men.
High DHT can drive scalp hair loss and unwanted hair growth. Low DHT, despite normal testosterone, can point to reduced 5-alpha-reductase activity, which affects genital development and body hair.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Sex dependent. Guidance only and assay dependent. Ranges vary by lab, and DHT is best measured by a sensitive method.
| Group | Reference range |
|---|---|
| Men, adult | ~1.0 to 3.3 nmol/L |
| Women, adult | ~0.1 to 0.9 nmol/L |
Source: LOINC 1848-1. Confirm against your own laboratory's range.
Your result, read with testosterone, shows how strongly your body is converting testosterone into its most active androgen. It adds context for hair, skin, and, in men, prostate concerns.
Medicines that block 5-alpha-reductase, such as finasteride and dutasteride, lower DHT. Standard immunoassays can be less reliable at low levels, so a sensitive method is preferred. High-dose biotin supplements can interfere with certain assays.
Best read together with total testosterone, and sometimes the testosterone to DHT ratio, plus SHBG.
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