Dihydrotestosterone

Hormones marker

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone

Category: Hormones
Unit: nmol/L

Potent androgen converted from testosterone by 5-alpha reductase. Responsible for male sexual development, prostate growth, and androgenic effects including hair loss.

PED Notes

DHT is 3-5x more androgenic than testosterone. Elevated by exogenous testosterone (more substrate for 5-alpha reductase) and by DHT-derivative compounds (Masteron, Primobolan, Anavar, Winstrol). High DHT drives androgenic side effects: male pattern hair loss, acne, prostate enlargement, and body hair growth.

Hair loss management:

  • Finasteride -- 1mg/day (5-alpha reductase inhibitor, does NOT help with DHT-derivative compounds)
  • Dutasteride -- 0.5mg/day (stronger 5-AR inhibitor)
  • Minoxidil -- 5% topical for hair regrowth
  • Ketoconazole -- 2% shampoo, mild anti-androgenic at scalp
  • RU58841 / Pyrilutamide -- topical alternatives at the scalp

Note: Blocking DHT can reduce libido and erection quality in some individuals

References:

  • Kanayama, G., Hudson, J. I., & Pope, H. G., Jr. (2008). Long-term psychiatric and medical consequences of anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 98(1-2), 1-12. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.05.004
  • Baggish, A. L., Weiner, R. B., Kanayama, G., et al. (2017). Cardiovascular toxicity of illicit anabolic-androgenic steroid use. Circulation, 135(21), 1991-2002. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.116.026945

History Chart

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

0.4 - 2.5 nmol/L

Statistics