Description

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen hormone derived from testosterone via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. It plays a major role in male sexual differentiation, puberty changes, hair growth patterns, skin oil production, and prostate health. While most commonly discussed in relation to men, DHT also has important effects in women, and imbalances can contribute to a range of health concerns in both sexes.

Male Sexual Development

  • Fetal Development: DHT is essential for the formation of male external genitalia before birth.
  • Puberty: It drives the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial and body hair, deepening of the voice, and increased muscle mass.

Prostate Growth

  • Stimulates prostate tissue development and maintenance.
  • Excessive DHT can contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and may play a role in prostate cancer progression.

Hair Growth

  • Promotes body, facial, and pubic hair growth.
  • High levels can trigger male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) by miniaturizing hair follicles, resulting in thinner and shorter hair strands.

Sebaceous Gland Activity

  • Increases oil (sebum) production, which can contribute to acne breakouts—particularly in women with excess androgen activity (e.g., PCOS).

Other Effects

  • Supports libido and sexual function.
  • Plays a role in bone density and muscle maintenance.

Why Women Should Consider Testing DHT

Although women have much lower DHT levels than men, even small imbalances can significantly affect health.

  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Elevated DHT can contribute to symptoms such as excess facial/body hair (hirsutism), acne, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility.
  • Hair Loss (Female Pattern Hair Loss): High DHT can cause thinning at the crown or diffuse scalp hair loss.
  • Acne & Oily Skin: Increased sebaceous activity from elevated DHT can worsen persistent or adult-onset acne.
  • Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms: Mood swings, changes in libido, and menstrual irregularities can be influenced by DHT fluctuations.
  • Androgen-Secreting Tumors: Markedly high DHT levels in women can sometimes indicate rare but serious conditions that require further evaluation.

Fasting: Not required.