A DHT Level test measures the level of dihydrotestosterone hormone in the blood to assess the risk of occurrence of Androgenic Alopecia. Increased DHT is one of the key causes of Androgenic Alopecia and most identified males with pattern baldness tend to have a high DHT-to-testosterone ratio and androgen receptor activities in the hair follicles. You will be recommended to undergo this blood test for hair loss if you are exhibiting any signs of male pattern baldness or your healthcare provider thinks you are at risk of developing it.&nb-sp;
What is DHT and What Does It Do?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone crucial for the development of sexual structures and characteristics in individuals assigned to males at birth (AMAB) 1. As an androgen, it stimulates the development of male traits throughout life, starting from foetal development. While its effects on individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) are not fully understood, it may influence body and pubic hair growth.
DHT, derived from testosterone, contributes to male sex characteristics during puberty, such as a deep voice, increased body hair, and muscle mass, and growth of reproductive organs. It also helps regulate fat distribution and supports overall muscle mass, sexual health, and fertility.
In adults, the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts about 10 percent of testosterone to DHT. The DHT can bind to receptors on scalp hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Elevated DHT levels have also been linked to slow skin healing, enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, and coronary heart disease.2
For older adults, DHT is associated with prostate enlargement and Androgenic Alopecia (male pattern baldness), which is recognised with the symptoms of bald spots on the top and frontal scalp regions. While Androgenic Alopecia is mostly associated with males, females also struggle with DHT-induced female pattern baldness.
What Causes DHT to Increase?
Normal DHT levels in males and females are highly desired. However, there are certain factors and medical conditions that can trigger high DHT levels. Here are a few of them:3
- Genetic predisposition: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to higher levels of 5-alpha-reductase enzyme activity. This enzyme is crucial for the conversion of testosterone to DHT. An increased enzyme activity would naturally lead to higher DHT levels. For instance, men with male androgenic alopecia (MAA) have been found to have higher levels of 5-alpha-reductase activity in their scalp hair follicles.
- Increased testosterone levels: Since DHT is synthesized from testosterone through the action of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, any condition or factor that leads to an increase in testosterone levels can potentially raise DHT levels as well. This is because more substrate (testosterone) is available for conversion into DHT.
- Increased activity of 5-alpha-reductase enzyme: Any factor that increases the activity of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme will lead to an increase in DHT levels. This includes certain medications, dietary factors, and perhaps even lifestyle factors that have yet to be fully understood.
- Changes in hormone regulation: Conditions that alter the normal regulation of hormones, including but not limited to, pcod problem in women, could indirectly affect DHT levels through complex endocrine pathways involving testosterone and other androgens.
- Resistance to 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: In the context of treatment, particularly for conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer, the use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors is aimed at reducing DHT levels. However, resistance or incomplete inhibition could lead to situations where DHT levels are not adequately controlled.
You should opt for DHT Level test as recommended by your healthcare provider to gauge your blood DHT levels. Choose HealthcareOnTime to avail DHT test at home in an easy, seamless, and hassle-free manner.