DHT (Dihydrotestosterone): What Your Result Means

What is DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is made from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. It is several times stronger at binding androgen receptors than testosterone itself, and it is the hormone behind prostate growth, facial and body hair, and scalp hair loss. Most men never need a DHT number — it comes into play for specific hair, prostate, or hormone-balance questions.

Typical reference interval: Normal DHT commonly falls roughly 250–990 pg/mL in adult men (lower in women and children), but ranges vary by assay and age. Like all androgens it trends downward with age; the interpretation always pairs it with total and free testosterone.. Laboratories differ — the interval printed on YOUR report always governs.

If your DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is high

Common reasons DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) runs above the reference interval:

• High testosterone conversion states — when testosterone is high or the enzyme converting it is very active, DHT rises
• Androgen-sensitive prostate growth — elevated DHT associates with prostate enlargement — the reason some prostate medications block its conversion
• Some cases of androgen sensitivity — individuals converting testosterone very efficiently run higher DHT
• Supplementation with androgen precursors — DHEA or testosterone products raise DHT downstream

If your DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is low

Common reasons DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) runs below the reference interval:

• Low total testosterone — the most common cause — less precursor means less DHT
• Natural aging — DHT declines with age alongside testosterone
• 5-alpha reductase blocking medication — hair-loss or prostate drugs that block DHT production lower it intentionally
• Certain health conditions — metabolic or hormonal states that lower testosterone production

Symptoms worth knowing

DHT has no symptoms of its own — it acts through the tissues it drives. High background DHT contributes to things men often ask about: scalp hair thinning and prostate enlargement. Low DHT rarely announces itself directly; it generally follows the symptoms of low testosterone (fatigue, reduced muscle, lower libido).

What usually happens next

1. Interpret DHT with total and free testosterone — the trio is the interpretation, never DHT alone
2. For hair loss, keep expectations realistic: DHT explains a pattern, not a cure — and medication decisions are a clinician's call
3. For prostate or libido concerns, pair DHT with PSA and testosterone under medical guidance

Frequently asked questions about DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) results