DHT

DHT is a potent androgen derived from testosterone via 5-Alpha-Reductase activity. 5-Alpha-Reductase deficiency results in incompletely virilized males (phenotypic females). This diagnosis is supported by an elevated ratio of testosterone to DHT.

Testosterone is one the main sex hormones (androgens) that are found in men. Although mostly a “male” sex hormone, it is also found in small amounts in women. Testosterone is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males, and the virilization in females. In the body, testosterone is either bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), albumin or free. Free testosterone gets converted to its more potent form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This test measures the amount of DHT in the blood in order to aid in the diagnosis of hair loss in both men and women, as well as prostate diseases in men.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Hair loss in men and women (sudden, unexplainable)
• Screening for prostate cancer after age 50
• For those at high risk of prostate cancer
• Difficult, painful, and/or frequent urination
• Back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Difficulty ejaculating
• Suspicious mass on DRE

Also Known As: Dihydrotestosterone, Androstaner-3-one