Dihydrotestosterone
Also known as: DHT
What Does Dihydrotestosterone Measure?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen hormone derived from testosterone through the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. A blood test measuring DHT quantifies the concentration of this hormone circulating in the bloodstream, typically expressed in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). DHT is approximately 2-5 times more potent than testosterone and binds with much higher affinity to androgen receptors throughout the body.
Why Does Dihydrotestosterone Matter?
DHT plays a critical role in male sexual development, including the formation of external genitalia during fetal development and the progression of puberty. In adult men, DHT is primarily responsible for prostate growth, body and facial hair development, and unfortunately, androgenic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). Elevated DHT levels are strongly associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate-related issues, while abnormal DHT levels in women can contribute to hirsutism, acne, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Measuring DHT helps clinicians diagnose hormonal imbalances, evaluate fertility concerns, and guide treatment decisions for conditions ranging from hair loss to prostate disease.
Normal Ranges
Males
300-850 pg/mL (adult males); approximately 30-85 ng/dL
Females
24-368 pg/mL (adult females); approximately 2.4-36.8 ng/dL
Children
Varies by age; prepubertal levels are typically <10 pg/mL; rises significantly during puberty
Causes of High Levels
- 5-alpha reductase enzyme overactivity, increasing conversion of testosterone to DHT
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, associated with elevated androgen production
- Anabolic steroid or exogenous testosterone use, which increases substrate for DHT conversion
- Adrenal gland disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
- Obesity and insulin resistance, which can dysregulate androgen metabolism
- Certain tumors of the adrenal glands or testes/ovaries that produce excess androgens
Causes of Low Levels
- 5-alpha reductase deficiency, a rare genetic condition reducing DHT synthesis
- Use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitor medications such as finasteride or dutasteride
- Hypogonadism or primary testicular failure resulting in low testosterone substrate
How to Improve Your Dihydrotestosterone
Diet
- Consume foods rich in zinc (oysters, pumpkin seeds, red meat) to support healthy testosterone-to-DHT balance
- Include lycopene-rich foods such as tomatoes and watermelon, which may help modulate 5-alpha reductase activity
- Eat cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) containing indole-3-carbinol to support androgen metabolism
- Reduce consumption of highly processed foods and refined sugars to minimize insulin resistance, which can elevate androgens
- Include green tea regularly, as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) has been shown to mildly inhibit 5-alpha reductase activity
Supplements
- Saw palmetto (320 mg/day) — a well-studied natural 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that may help reduce excessive DHT
- Zinc (15-30 mg/day) — supports hormonal balance and may help regulate DHT conversion when deficient
- Pumpkin seed oil (1,000 mg/day) — contains compounds that may inhibit 5-alpha reductase and support prostate health
- Reishi mushroom extract (1,500-3,000 mg/day) — preliminary evidence suggests DHT-modulating properties
- Stinging nettle root (300-600 mg/day) — may help bind SHBG and modulate free androgen levels including DHT
Related Biomarkers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DHT the main cause of male pattern baldness?
DHT is the primary hormonal driver of androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss) in genetically predisposed individuals. DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles on the scalp, causing them to miniaturize over time and eventually stop producing hair. However, genetics play a major role — not everyone with high DHT will lose hair, as hair follicle sensitivity to DHT varies widely between individuals. Medications like finasteride work by blocking DHT production to slow or halt hair loss.
What is the difference between testosterone and DHT?
Testosterone and DHT are both androgens, but DHT is converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase and is significantly more potent — binding to androgen receptors with 2-5 times greater affinity. Testosterone has broader anabolic effects (muscle building, bone density, libido), while DHT has more localized effects on the prostate, skin, and hair follicles. Some of testosterone's effects in the body are actually mediated through its conversion to DHT, making both hormones important to measure when evaluating androgen status.
Can high DHT cause prostate problems?
Yes. DHT is a key driver of prostate cell growth, and chronically elevated DHT levels are strongly associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that causes urinary symptoms. Research also suggests a potential link between elevated DHT and prostate cancer risk, although the relationship is complex. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that lower DHT (such as finasteride and dutasteride) are commonly prescribed to treat BPH and have been studied for prostate cancer prevention.