Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 7–12 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Gold standard accuracy - Advanced LC/MS technology provides superior precision compared to traditional methods
- No doctor visit required - Order directly and get tested at convenient nationwide locations
- Comprehensive hormone insight - Measures the most potent androgen affecting hair and prostate health
- Treatment monitoring - Track effectiveness of hair loss or prostate medications over time
- Privacy and convenience - Secure digital results delivered to your personal portal
- Clinical-grade testing - Same methodology used by major medical institutions and specialists
Who Is This Test For?
- Men experiencing hair loss or male pattern baldness concerns
- Women with unexplained hair thinning or excessive facial/body hair growth
- Individuals on DHT-blocking medications like finasteride or dutasteride
- People with prostate health concerns seeking hormonal insights
- Those with suspected hormonal imbalances affecting hair growth patterns
- Anyone monitoring androgen-related treatment progress without frequent doctor visits
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test kit and receive a lab requisition form
- Visit a lab - Get your blood drawn at any convenient Labcorp location nationwide
- Get results - Receive secure digital results within 7-12 business days
FAQ
What exactly does this test measure? This test measures dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the most potent androgen hormone that directly affects hair follicles and prostate tissue.
How is this different from a testosterone test? While testosterone tests measure the primary male hormone, DHT testing measures the more potent derivative that's 3-5 times stronger and acts directly on hair and prostate cells (StatPearls, 2023).
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting is required, though morning collection is preferred for standardized comparison with reference ranges.
Can women take this test too? Yes, women can benefit from DHT testing, especially if experiencing hair loss, excessive hair growth, or suspected hormonal imbalances.
How accurate is the LC/MS method? LC/MS methodology shows excellent precision with CVs ranging from 4.2-13.2%, making it the gold standard for steroid hormone measurement (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2024).
What medications can affect my results? Finasteride, dutasteride, and testosterone supplements can significantly impact DHT levels, so inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The DHT blood test measures levels of dihydrotestosterone, the most potent androgen hormone in your body. DHT is created when testosterone is converted by the enzyme 5α-reductase, primarily in hair follicles, prostate tissue, and adrenal glands. This hormone is approximately 3-5 times more potent than testosterone and plays a crucial role in male pattern hair loss, prostate health, and sexual development.
The test is particularly valuable for evaluating the underlying hormonal causes of hair loss in both men and women, monitoring the effectiveness of DHT-blocking treatments, and investigating suspected disorders of sexual development. Unlike general testosterone testing, DHT measurement provides specific insights into androgen activity in target tissues like hair follicles and prostate cells (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is most beneficial for individuals experiencing progressive hair loss or thinning, particularly those with male or female pattern baldness. People taking 5α-reductase inhibitor medications like finasteride or dutasteride can use this test to monitor treatment effectiveness and ensure proper dosing.
Women with signs of excess androgen activity—such as hirsutism (excessive facial or body hair), male pattern baldness, or irregular menstrual periods—may find this test helpful in identifying underlying hormonal imbalances. Men with prostate concerns or those investigating unexplained changes in hair growth patterns can also benefit from DHT testing (Labcorp, 2025).
When should I order a DHT Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test when experiencing noticeable hair thinning or loss that follows a male or female pattern. It's particularly useful if you're starting or currently using DHT-blocking treatments and want to monitor their effectiveness over time.
The test is also appropriate when investigating unexplained hormonal symptoms like excessive hair growth in women, changes in body composition, or when other hormone tests haven't provided clear answers. For individuals with family histories of early hair loss or prostate issues, baseline DHT testing can provide valuable reference points for future monitoring.
How do I interpret the results?
DHT results are reported in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) with specific reference ranges that vary by age and sex:
Adult males (>19 years)
- Normal Range: 112–955 pg/mL
- Clinical Significance: Baseline androgen activity
Adult females (20–55 years)
- Normal Range: ≤300 pg/mL
- Clinical Significance: Normal hormonal balance
Adult females (>55 years)
- Normal Range: ≤128 pg/mL
- Clinical Significance: Post-menopausal levels
DHT levels can vary throughout the day and may be affected by stress, medications, and overall health status.
Elevated DHT in men may suggest overactive androgen metabolism, while elevated levels in women could indicate conditions like PCOS or adrenal disorders. Low DHT in men might suggest 5α-reductase deficiency or the effects of anti-androgen medications.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special fasting is required for this test, making it convenient to schedule at any time. However, morning collection is preferred as it provides the most standardized comparison with established reference ranges.
Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking, especially finasteride, dutasteride, testosterone supplements, or other hormone therapies, as these can significantly affect your DHT levels. Women should note their menstrual cycle phase when testing, as hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the cycle.
How often should I get tested?
- Baseline monitoring: Annually
- Starting DHT-blocking treatment: Every 3–6 months
- Ongoing treatment monitoring: Every 6–12 months
- Suspected hormonal changes: As needed
Why early detection matters
Early detection of DHT imbalances can help prevent or slow the progression of androgenetic alopecia, which affects approximately 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States (MedlinePlus Genetics, 2023). Identifying elevated DHT levels early allows for timely intervention with FDA-approved treatments like finasteride or minoxidil.
For women, early detection of elevated DHT can help identify underlying conditions like PCOS or adrenal disorders before they cause more significant health complications. Early intervention often leads to better treatment outcomes and can prevent irreversible changes like permanent hair loss.
Related tests you may consider
Total and Free Testosterone - Provides broader understanding of androgen status and helps determine if high DHT stems from elevated testosterone or increased 5α-reductase activity.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) - Measures the transport protein that binds hormones, affecting their bioavailability and helping interpret DHT results.
Hair Loss (Alopecia) Blood Test Panel - Includes ESR along with hormone, nutrient, and inflammatory markers that may contribute to hair loss, such as CBC with Differential and Platelets, TSH, Total Testosterone, Iron and TIBC, and ANA.
