Dihydrotestosteron (DHT) Test - Serum

DHT test is measured to assess for male pattern hair loss and several prostate issues, where DHT plays a critical known and best known for.

Your doctor may recommend this test for you if he sees the signs of high or low DHT in the blood. Low levels of DHT does not affect women. The symptoms include:
Low DHT in Men:

• The sex organs develop late or remain
• Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)-Manboobs
• High risk of developing prostate tumours

High Level DHT in Men:

• Hair loss
• Longer time for an injury to heal
• A decrease in sex drive
• Infertility
• Loss of bone density
• Loss of muscle strength
• Coronary heart disease
• Enlarged prostate
• Prostate cancer

High Level DHT in women:

• Male pattern hair loss
• Acne
• An increase in body, facial, and/or pubic hair(hirsutism)
• A cease of menstrual periods

DHT is three times more potent than testosterone and is crucial for development and maintenance of masculine characteristics and justifying the effects of estrogen (hormone which is responsible for developing features like breasts in women) in men. DHT test provides information on how much DHT is present in the blood.

This test is done in suspected cases of suspected hormonal abnormalities. These may lead to symptoms such as delayed or incomplete development of reproductive organs, gynecomastia, menstrual irregularities, male pattern baldness, delayed puberty etc. This test may also be done in cases of prostate cancers for predicting the response to anti-androgen therapy

It measures the levels of DHT in the blood. 

The test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

High levels of DHT may occur due to idiopathic hirsutism, PCOS and prostate cancers. 
Low levels may occur due in Klinefelter's  syndrome, patient with germinal cell aplasia and azoospermia, and anorchia. 

The DHT test is a blood test that measures the levels of dihydrotestosterone, a potent androgen hormone, in the serum. It is used to diagnose and monitor conditions related to androgen metabolism and sexual differentiation.

The DHT test detects the level of dihydrotestosterone in the blood, which can help in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as 5-alpha reductase deficiency, male pattern baldness, BPH, prostate cancer, and hormonal imbalances.

The reports indicate the concentration of DHT in the serum. Normal ranges vary: Adult females have lower levels than males, while adult male levels typically range between 0.32 – 1.64 nmol/L.

A "positive" result typically means that the DHT levels are outside the normal range. High levels may indicate conditions like male pattern baldness, BPH, or PCOS, while low levels could suggest 5-alpha reductase deficiency. Consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary to interpret the results correctly.

High DHT levels can lead to symptoms such as male pattern baldness, prostate enlargement, excessive body and facial hair in females (hirsutism), acne, and irregular periods and infertility in females with PCOS.

Increased DHT levels can be caused by genetic conditions like 5-alpha reductase overactivity, hormonal imbalances such as PCOS, use of certain medications, and age-related changes.

There is limited direct evidence linking specific foods to increased DHT levels. However, foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol may indirectly influence hormone levels. A balanced diet is recommended, but specific dietary effects on DHT are not well-documented.

There is no strong evidence to suggest that coffee significantly increases DHT levels. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health have more pronounced effects on hormone levels.

Regular exercise can help maintain hormonal balance, but there is no direct evidence that exercise specifically reduces DHT levels. Exercise can improve overall health and may indirectly affect hormone metabolism.

High DHT levels can be managed but not necessarily "cured." Treatments such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) can reduce DHT levels and alleviate symptoms associated with high DHT.

The benefits include accurate diagnosis of conditions related to androgen metabolism, monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for conditions like male pattern baldness and BPH, and early detection of hormonal imbalances and related health issues.

The DHT test is a routine blood test and carries minimal risks, such as pain at the injection site, bruising, or infection. These risks are rare and typically minor.

The test helps in diagnosing conditions such as 5-alpha reductase deficiency, male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Yes, certain medications, especially those affecting hormone metabolism (e.g., 5-alpha reductase inhibitors), can affect DHT levels and test results. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking before the test.

No fasting is typically required before taking the DHT test. However, it is always best to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the laboratory conducting the test.

Factors that can affect DHT test results include recent medication use, time of day (hormone levels can fluctuate), age and sex, and the presence of underlying health conditions.

The turnaround time for DHT test results can vary but typically ranges after 4 hours, depending on the laboratory and the specific testing methodology used.