MEN HEALTH SCREENING Lab Tests

🧪 Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Test The Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) test measures the level of DHT, a potent androgen hormone derived from testosterone. DHT plays a key role in male sexual development, hair growth, prostate function, and skin health. Abnormal levels can be associated with conditions like androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness), hirsutism, PCOS, and prostate disorders. 🔬 Test Overview Parameter Details Test Name Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Sample Type Blood (serum or plasma) Method LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry) – most accurate Fasting Required? ✅ Yes, 8–12 hours fasting recommended Turnaround Time 3–5 days (varies by lab) Units ng/dL or pg/mL 📊 Normal Reference Ranges (Values may vary slightly by lab and age) Group Normal DHT Level Adult males 30–85 ng/dL (or 300–850 pg/mL) Adult females 4–22 ng/dL (or 40–220 pg/mL) 🧬 Why Is the DHT Test Done? In Males: Evaluate androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) Investigate prostate hypertrophy (BPH) or prostate cancer Diagnose delayed puberty or infertility Monitor testosterone replacement therapy In Females: Diagnose hirsutism or virilization Evaluate PCOS or other androgen excess conditions Assess adrenal or ovarian tumors ⚠️ Abnormal DHT Levels: Possible Causes 🔺 High DHT Levels: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Androgenic alopecia (baldness) Hirsutism or virilization (in women) PCOS 5-alpha-reductase overactivity Adrenal or gonadal tumors 🔻 Low DHT Levels: 5-alpha-reductase deficiency (genetic disorder) Hypogonadism Use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride, dutasteride) Klinefelter syndrome Testicular failure 💊 Common Medications Affecting DHT Drug Class Effect on DHT 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors ⬇ Decrease DHT (used for BPH, hair loss) Testosterone therapy ⬆ May increase DHT Anti-androgens ⬇ Decrease DHT ✅ Summary Test Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Used For Androgen disorders, hair loss, PCOS, prostate issues Sample Blood (serum/plasma), fasting recommended Normal Range Men: 30–85 ng/dL, Women: 4–22 ng/dL Complementary Tests Testosterone, LH, FSH, SHBG, 5-alpha-reductase activity