5 alpha Dihydrotestosterone (5α- DHT) Test: Procedure, Purpose, Results, Cost, Price, Online booking

What is 5 alpha-Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) test?

DHT, also known as 5 alpha-DHT, is an androgen (male sex hormone) that is responsible for the development of male sexual organs before birth and the development of secondary sexual characteristics in boys during puberty. These changes include the appearance of facial hair, increased blood pressure and increased libido, deepening of the voice and increased muscle mass.

This hormone is present in both the sexes, though women have a much lesser amount of DHT than men. It is produced from the hormone testosterone under the action of an enzyme (a protein) called 5 alpha-reductase. According to the Society for Endocrinology, U.K., almost 10 % of the testosterone produced every day in the body is converted into DHT in testes and prostate in men and ovaries in women. DHT is also produced in the skin and hair follicles of both genders.

High levels of DHT in the blood could be the reason for male pattern baldness, medically known as androgenetic alopecia. Deficiency of DHT can prevent the prostate from developing normally, while an excess of DHT can lead to enlarged prostate.

In women, an increase in the level of DHT can bring about symptoms such as increased facial hair, acne, abnormal changes in the genital organs and amenorrhoea (absence of menstrual periods). It can also lead to excessive hair loss.

A 5 alpha-DHT test is done to measure the level of DHT in blood when the above-mentioned symptoms of DHT unbalance are observed.

Why is a 5 alpha-DHT test performed?
How do you prepare for a 5 alpha-DHT test?
How is a 5 alpha-DHT test performed?
What do 5 alpha-DHT test results mean?

Why is a 5 alpha-DHT test performed?

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

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How do you prepare for a 5 alpha-DHT test?

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.

How is a 5 alpha-DHT test performed?

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

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What do 5 alpha-DHT test results mean?

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.