DHT is a potent androgen converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. It's several times more biologically active than testosterone at androgen receptors and is responsible for many male secondary sex characteristics including facial and body hair, and male-pattern baldness.
DHT matters most in contexts where hair loss, prostate health, or androgenic side effects are concerns. Elevated DHT drives male-pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia. For men on testosterone optimization, DHT is monitored to ensure the testosterone-to-DHT conversion isn't excessive. For women, elevated DHT can contribute to hirsutism and acne, often associated with PCOS. DHT is less commonly measured than testosterone but valuable when specific androgenic symptoms are driving the testing decision.
Optimal Dihydrotestosterone: 45-70 ng/dL.
Typically re-tested every 12 weeks.