Dihydrotestosterone
Private Dihydrotestosterone blood test in London for £169, measuring one potent androgen marker with results expected in around 10 days.
Turnaround time
10 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Dihydrotestosterone
The Dihydrotestosterone blood test measures DHT, a potent androgen produced predominantly from Testosterone.
The test contains 1 biomarker: Dihydrotestosterone.
DHT is formed when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts Testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone.
Although DHT and Testosterone act through the same androgen receptor, DHT binds strongly to the receptor and has important effects in androgen-sensitive tissues.
During male development, DHT contributes to development of external genitalia and later plays roles in prostate tissue, body and facial hair, sebaceous glands and scalp hair follicles.
DHT is particularly relevant to androgenetic hair loss.
In genetically susceptible scalp follicles, DHT contributes to progressive miniaturisation of hair follicles, eventually producing the characteristic pattern of male or female pattern hair loss.
However, blood DHT concentration does not perfectly reflect the concentration or activity of DHT within individual scalp follicles.
This means a normal serum DHT result does not rule out androgenetic alopecia, and a high result does not independently establish why someone is losing hair.
DHT also influences prostate tissue.
Medicines such as Finasteride and Dutasteride inhibit 5-alpha reductase and can substantially reduce DHT production.
Testosterone replacement therapy can alter DHT concentrations because more Testosterone substrate is available for conversion.
In women, increased androgen activity can contribute to acne, excess facial or body hair and some features associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, although DHT is not a standalone diagnostic test for PCOS.
DHT should generally be interpreted alongside Testosterone, SHBG, Free Androgen Index, DHEA Sulphate and the wider clinical context.
What Does the Dihydrotestosterone Test Check?
This test measures 1 biomarker.
Dihydrotestosterone
Measures DHT, a potent androgen formed from Testosterone through the action of 5-alpha reductase and involved in androgen-sensitive tissues including hair follicles, skin and the prostate.
Who May Benefit From the Dihydrotestosterone Test?
DHT testing may be useful when a specific question exists regarding androgen metabolism or treatment affecting 5-alpha reductase.
People with androgen-related hair loss undergoing specialist assessment - DHT may provide supplementary hormonal information, although hair loss cannot be diagnosed from the blood level alone.
People taking Finasteride or Dutasteride where biochemical monitoring has been requested - These medicines inhibit conversion of Testosterone to DHT.
People receiving Testosterone replacement therapy - DHT can rise during Testosterone treatment in some patients.
Women with significant androgenic symptoms - DHT may complement Testosterone, SHBG and DHEA Sulphate testing.
People with persistent acne and other androgenic features - Hormonal assessment may help where symptoms are clinically significant.
Women with excess facial or body hair - Hirsutism can prompt broader androgen testing.
People undergoing specialist prostate-hormone assessment - DHT has biological activity within prostate tissue.
People with a previous abnormal DHT result - Repeat testing can help determine whether the finding persists.
People specifically advised to obtain DHT testing - The result is most useful when a clinician has defined the question being investigated.
How to Prepare
Do not stop Finasteride, Dutasteride, Testosterone or another prescribed hormonal medicine solely to change the laboratory result.
The test is most informative when interpreted in the context of the treatment you are actually taking.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Dihydrotestosterone Test
DHT-related effects occur primarily in androgen-sensitive tissues, although the same symptoms can arise with completely normal circulating DHT.
Progressive male-pattern scalp hair loss - DHT contributes to follicle miniaturisation in genetically susceptible individuals.
Female-pattern hair thinning with androgenic symptoms - Broader androgen assessment may be appropriate.
Persistent acne or oily skin - Androgens stimulate sebaceous-gland activity, although acne has multiple causes.
Excess facial or body hair in women - Hirsutism can indicate increased androgen activity and warrants broader hormonal assessment.
Unexpected hormonal changes during Testosterone therapy - Measuring DHT can provide additional information about Testosterone conversion.
Symptoms while taking a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor - DHT measurement may occasionally be requested to assess biochemical suppression.
Prostate-related concerns under specialist care - DHT has important effects on prostate tissue but does not diagnose prostate cancer or benign enlargement.
A previous unexpectedly high or low DHT result - Repeat testing under similar conditions can clarify whether the finding persists.
These symptoms are not specific to abnormal blood DHT.
Hair loss, acne and prostate symptoms should be investigated according to the complete clinical picture rather than attributed to one DHT measurement.
How to Book Your Dihydrotestosterone Test
Booking your Dihydrotestosterone blood test with London Blood Tests is straightforward.
Choose the Dihydrotestosterone
Select the individual DHT blood test.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional home or hotel phlebotomy.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required venous blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your serum undergoes specialist measurement of Dihydrotestosterone.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised DHT result is delivered securely and can be interpreted alongside other androgen markers.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current customer-facing turnaround for the Dihydrotestosterone test is approximately 10 days after your blood sample reaches the laboratory.
DHT is a specialist endocrine assay and requires more analytical processing than routine Testosterone or SHBG measurements.
Your report is released after specialist measurement, quality-control procedures and laboratory authorisation are complete.
Turnaround begins from laboratory receipt rather than from your appointment time, and occasional specialist referral or repeat analysis may extend the reporting period.
Understanding Your Results
A result within the laboratory reference range indicates that circulating DHT falls within the expected range for the method used.
A higher DHT concentration may occur with increased androgen production or increased conversion of Testosterone through 5-alpha reductase.
Testosterone therapy can increase DHT in some people.
A lower DHT concentration may occur during Finasteride or Dutasteride treatment, reduced androgen production or other hormonal states.
Importantly, circulating DHT does not directly quantify androgen activity inside the scalp, prostate or skin.
A normal DHT result therefore does not rule out androgenetic hair loss, and a high result does not automatically explain acne, hirsutism or prostate symptoms.
Interpretation should usually include Testosterone, SHBG and other androgen markers where clinically relevant.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
Private DHT testing in London - Access specialist Dihydrotestosterone measurement privately.
Relevant to androgen metabolism - DHT provides information beyond Total Testosterone alone.
Useful during 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor monitoring - Finasteride and Dutasteride directly influence DHT production.
Relevant during Testosterone therapy - DHT can provide supplementary information about androgen conversion.
Specialist laboratory analysis - Samples undergo dedicated DHT measurement.
Clinic and home collection options - Professional phlebotomy can be arranged.
Secure reporting - Receive your authorised result securely.
Clear pricing - The Dihydrotestosterone test costs £169.
Private Dihydrotestosterone Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Dihydrotestosterone testing in London for people requiring specialist assessment of androgen metabolism.
The test costs £169 and measures one biomarker: Dihydrotestosterone.
Results are expected approximately 10 days after laboratory receipt.
The result is best interpreted alongside other androgen markers and should not be used alone to diagnose hair loss, PCOS or prostate disease.