Purpose of the DHT Test
If you’re experiencing hair loss, prostate symptoms, or signs of a hormone imbalance, your DHT levels may be the missing piece. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen hormone converted from testosterone — and when levels run too high or too low, the effects can be significant. About 10% of testosterone is converted to DHT daily, and imbalances are linked to male pattern baldness, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and sexual dysfunction in both men and women. A DHT blood test gives you a clear picture of where your levels stand — no doctor’s visit required. Irregular levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can have a wide-ranging effect on the body throughout someone’s life, so it’s important to monitor these levels with a DHT lab test to ensure they fall within a normal range. For instance, low levels of this hormone may inhibit genital development in male fetuses or lead to delayed growth of facial and body hair in puberty (and as men age, it can lead to male-pattern baldness or alopecia). As adults grow older, high DHT can be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome in women, or enlarged prostate or prostate cancer in men.
What Does a DHT Blood Test Measure?
Also Known As: Dihydrotestosterone Test, 5-alpha Dihydrotestosterone, DHT Lab Test, Androstanolone Test
The DHT blood test measures the amount of dihydrotestosterone circulating in your bloodstream. DHT is produced when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into its more potent form. Unlike testosterone, DHT does not play a major role in adult physiology beyond two primary functions: prostate growth and scalp hair loss. Because DHT binds more powerfully to androgen receptors than testosterone, even normal blood levels can have significant effects in tissues that are genetically sensitive to it — particularly hair follicles and prostate tissue.
Who Should Take a DHT Lab Test?
Your physician may recommend testing if you are showing symptoms associated with conditions related to low or high DHT, such as enlarged prostate, hair loss, or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
DHT Hormone Test Preparation
You don’t need to follow any special requirements before taking a DHT test.
If your hair loss follows a pattern — receding hairline, thinning at the crown, or widening part — DHT (dihydrotestosterone) may be the cause. DHT is a potent hormone converted from testosterone that binds to hair follicles and causes them to shrink over time. Both men and women can be affected. You can order a DHT blood test without a doctor’s visit to check whether elevated dihydrotestosterone levels are contributing to your hair loss.
DHT Level Test Results
The typical reference range for a DHT blood test is 12 to 65 ng/dL for men and 20 or less ng/dL for women. Your healthcare provider can then determine next steps.
DHT Blood Test Reference Ranges
Below 12 ng/dL (Men) — Low — May indicate low androgen activity, sexual dysfunction
12–65 ng/dL (Men) — Normal — Typical healthy range for adult males
Above 65 ng/dL (Men) — High — Associated with hair loss, BPH, prostate concerns
Under 20 ng/dL (Women) — Normal — Typical healthy range for adult females
Above 20 ng/dL (Women) — High — May indicate PCOS, excess facial or body hair
Reference ranges may vary slightly by laboratory. Discuss your results with a healthcare provider before making changes to medication or supplementation.
Where Can I Get a Test for DHT Near Me?
The dihydrotestosterone test is one of several hormone tests geared toward men offered through Personalabs; you can also order hormone tests for women and general hormone tests. In fact, we have more than 400 health tests you can purchase online. This gives you greater convenience and accessibility so you can get the answers to your most pressing health questions and make informed decisions about your care. Just follow these simple steps to get tested:
Step 1: Browse our website for a test for DHT or any other health test. Once you’ve selected your test, make your purchase and download the lab order that comes with it. (Note: Some states may require a doctor’s authorization before purchasing your health test.)
Step 2: Choose a lab for your blood work. Our partnerships with Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics give you more than 4,000 facilities to choose from across the country. Use our streamlined lab locator tool to find the site nearest you. Contact the lab to determine if you need an appointment for your blood draw or if walk-in visits are available.
Step 3: Bring the lab order with you when it’s time to get tested. Be sure you’ve followed any necessary preparations that may be listed in the test instructions.
Step 4: Visit your confidential Personalabs portal to see your results. The report typically arrives within 2 to 10 business days, but if you need results by a specific date, let us know and we will work with the lab where you had your blood drawn.
Shop Personalabs today to take a proactive approach toward your health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DHT Blood Test
Do I need to fast before a DHT blood test?
No fasting is required before a DHT blood test. You can eat and drink normally beforehand.
What causes high DHT levels?
High DHT is typically caused by excess testosterone production, which gives the body more raw material to convert. Conditions that raise DHT include prostate disorders, adrenal gland issues, PCOS in women, and use of anabolic steroids. Genetic sensitivity to DHT also plays a major role — some people have hair follicles and prostate tissue that react strongly even to normal DHT levels.
Can high DHT cause hair loss?
Yes. DHT binds to receptors in scalp hair follicles and causes them to shrink over time, producing progressively thinner and shorter hairs until the follicle stops producing hair altogether. This process, called miniaturization, is the primary driver of male pattern baldness and androgenic alopecia in women. Hair loss affects around 50 million men and 30 million women in the US.
What is the difference between DHT and testosterone?
Both are androgen hormones, but DHT is significantly more potent. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and circulates widely in the body. DHT is converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase and has a much stronger binding affinity for androgen receptors — particularly in hair follicles and prostate tissue. This is why DHT has an outsized effect on hair loss and prostate growth relative to its concentration in the blood.
Can I order a DHT blood test without a doctor?
Yes in most states. Personalabs provides a physician-approved lab order with your purchase, so you do not need your own doctor’s referral. Our network physician approves your order within 2–4 hours. A small number of states restrict direct-to-consumer lab testing — contact us to confirm availability in your state.
How long does it take to get DHT test results?
Results are typically available within 2 to 10 business days depending on the lab location. In many cases results arrive within 2 to 5 business days. You can view your results in your private Personalabs account as soon as they are ready.
What should I do if my DHT levels are high?
Share your results with a healthcare provider or use Personalabs’ telehealth option to speak with a board-certified physician. Treatment options for high DHT include 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride or dutasteride, lifestyle changes, and in some cases topical treatments for hair loss. Do not start or stop any medication based solely on lab results without medical guidance.
