Androgens . Patient guide
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a more potent androgen produced from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, primarily in hair follicles, prostate and skin. It is the key androgen driving male-pattern hair loss and female-pattern hair thinning.
This biomarker entry is being clinically reviewed by our team. The factual content draws on UK guidance (NICE, NHS, Royal Colleges and the relevant speciality society where cited).
Reference range
Reported in nmol/L. Final reports always carry the issuing laboratory's range, which is what your clinician will interpret against.
| Group | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Adult men | 0.86 to 2.93 | nmol/L (varies by assay) |
| Adult women | 0.03 to 0.83 | |
| On finasteride (men) | expect suppression below baseline by roughly 70 percent |
What it is
DHT binds the androgen receptor with roughly five times the affinity of testosterone, and is the dominant androgen at scalp follicles. Drugs such as finasteride (5-alpha reductase inhibitor type II) and dutasteride (types I and II) suppress DHT production.
Why a clinician would order it
In men: confirmation that finasteride or dutasteride is suppressing DHT as expected, particularly in inadequate-response situations. In women: in the work-up of androgenetic scalp thinning and PCOS / PMOS. Also as part of pre-treatment baseline for anyone considering hormonal treatment for hair loss.
If your level is outside the range
Symptoms of low DHT
- Reduced libido and erectile function (in men, with suppression below typical range)
What low can indicate. Effective treatment with a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, or rare congenital deficiency.
Symptoms of high DHT
- Accelerated androgenetic alopecia (scalp thinning), prostate symptoms, in women: hirsutism and acne
What high can indicate. Genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia (relative, not absolute), exogenous DHT exposure (e.g. some “supplements”), androgen-secreting tumours (rare).
Testing tips
Morning sample (DHT follows the same diurnal rhythm as testosterone). If you are on finasteride or dutasteride, continue at your usual dose unless your prescriber has told you otherwise; testing on treatment is what we are interested in.
Where you can get this tested
Dihydrotestosterone is included in the following WMG Health panels. Same-day appointments at our Harley Street clinic, with results clinician-reviewed.
Want a specific combination of markers we do not have a panel for? Build a custom panel and our clinicians will design one for you.
Related markers
Sources
UK guidance our clinicians use when interpreting this marker.
This page is general patient information, not personal medical advice. A GMC-registered clinician will review your results and tailor any interpretation to you. See our Editorial Policy for how we write and review content.