5 alpha Dihydrotestosterone (5α- DHT) Test

Doctors perform this test to determine the level of DHT in blood. This may be done for the following reasons:

• To monitor patients with prostate cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy 
• To keep track of the progress of 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor therapy, which is usually given for benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness
• To determine the reasons for delayed or premature puberty in boys
• To determine the reason for reduced libido in both men and women 
• To evaluate erectile dysfunction in men
• To test for hirsutism in girls or women
• To test individuals having hypothalamic or pituitary disorders
• To determine if you are suffering from a deficiency of 5 alpha-reductase
• To determine the cause of male pattern baldness

You do not require any prior preparation before getting this blood test done. However, if you are on any medication which has a steroid component, then you must inform your doctor, as these medications could interfere with the accuracy of the results.

You will be advised to wear loose and comfortable clothing so that a blood sample can be collected with ease. 

In order to conduct this test, a blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm - you may feel slight pinch or sting as the needle goes in.

Some risks associated with taking a blood sample are:

• Difficulty in obtaining the sample
• Excessive bleeding at the site from where the blood is drawn
• Haematoma (accumulation of blood under the skin)
• Lightheadedness and fainting 
• Infection or bruising at the needle injection site 

Normal results:

DHT is measured in nanomoles per litre (nmol/L). The reference range for DHT is:

• Adult female: <1.27 nmol/L
• Adult male: 0.32-1.64 nmol/L

Abnormal results:

DHT levels higher or lower than the normal range can help the doctor diagnose several health conditions listed above. DHT levels are expected to be lower if you are taking 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors. Individuals with genetic deficiency of 5 alpha-reductase may also have lowered level of DHT. In women with hirsutism and polycystic ovarian syndrome, DHT levels are expected to be higher. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor will start the appropriate treatment. Higher level of DHT can be the cause of male pattern baldness as well. 

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.