Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a powerful form of the male hormone testosterone, made in tissues like the prostate, skin, and hair follicles. It plays an important role in male development before birth and continues to influence prostate size and hair growth throughout life. High DHT activity is linked to conditions like an enlarged prostate, male-pattern baldness, and excess hair growth in women. Low DHT can result from certain genetic conditions or medications used to treat prostate problems or hair loss. Your doctor will interpret your DHT level alongside other hormone tests and your overall health picture.

When elevated: Elevated DHT levels may be associated with androgenetic alopecia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer risk, acne, hirsutism in women, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In women, elevated DHT can contribute to virilization and androgen excess syndromes. When low: Low DHT levels may indicate 5-alpha-reductase deficiency (particularly type 2), hypogonadism, use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, or adrenal/gonadal insufficiency. In males, low DHT during fetal development is associated with ambiguous genitalia or undervirilization.

DHT is not typically tracked by athletes as a primary performance marker. However, some strength athletes monitor it in relation to testosterone management and androgenic effects on muscle development, though DHT's role is secondary to total and free testosterone for training adaptations. Elevated DHT may theoretically relate to male pattern baldness risk—a concern for some athletes—but this is genetically determined rather than training-dependent.