You received your DHT test results but still need help determining if they fall under the normal range. Read this section to understand whether your results are within the DTH normal range or not.
What Does DHT Test Results Mean?
The DHT level test is primarily recommended for assessing the occurrence or risk of Androgenic Alopecia and other male sexual development-related concerns. High DHT levels may indicate Male Pattern Baldness, prostate enlargement, Benign Prostate Hypertrophy, and Hirsutism.
Low DHT levels as a result of DHT blood test might indicate delayed sexual development during puberty in males, delayed or incomplete development or functioning of reproductive organs, Gynecomastia (female-like breasts), prostate tumours and other sexual dysfunction.
Even though there is a change in DHT levels by age, if your DHT hormone test results are varying from the normal range, do consult with your healthcare provider to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis and seek on-time treatment/prevention.
What Is DHT Test Normal Range?
The DHT normal range varies for males and females and also with progressive ageing. While the normal DHT levels in females may range between 50 to 650 pg/mL as per the age, the normal DHT levels in males remain the same with an age differentiation.
[Source]
What Medical Conditions Can Cause High DHT Levels?
If your DHT blood test results reveal a higher-than-normal DHT level, your healthcare provider will further assess your risks of developing
- Androgenic Alopecia - Androgenic Alopecia is a prominent type of hair loss mostly observed in ageing males and is often linked with hyper activity of DHT hormones and androgen receptor activities at the hair follicle roots. The hair loss happens as patches of bald spots on the frontal and top regions of the scalp, which recedes with time. High DHT levels tend to shrink the hair follicles and reduce the hair growth cycle and thus contribute towards male pattern baldness.
- Benign Prostate Hyperplasia - It is a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges beyond its usual growth and impacts the urethra. The urinary bladder wall tends to become thicker and eventually weakens and loses its ability to eliminate body waste through urine.
- Prostate Cancer - High DHT levels result in uncontrolled genetic proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis related to DHT pathways.
- PCOS - Though DHT is often linked with male reproductive disorders and pattern baldness, female physiology has also been linked, especially to females with PCOS conditions. It is recognised with symptoms, such as excessive body weight, fat, serum cholesterol levels, etc.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low DHT Levels?
If your DHT hormone test results reveal a less-than-normal DHT level, you might have
- 5-Alpha-Reductase Deficiency - This condition is associated with low levels of DHT hormone and often accompany symptoms, such as underdeveloped and dysfunctional or partially functional reproductive organs and prostate. In chronic cases, male children might have female-like genitalia. At the onset of puberty, they may suffer lack of facial hair and female-like pubic hair growth too.
- Male Hypogonadism - Otherwise known as a condition in which the testosterone hormone levels are typically lower than normal, this condition is an indicator of low DHT levels. Since testosterone hormones get converted into DHT, a low level of testosterone means a low level of DHT.
