Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Dihydrotestosterone is formed from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase in tissues such as the skin, hair follicles and prostate. It binds the androgen receptor more strongly than testosterone itself, so small amounts have a marked effect. In men it shapes male development and prostate growth, and in women it is present at lower levels and contributes to body hair and oil production in the skin.

Measuring DHT can help explain symptoms that seem androgen-related when testosterone is normal, and can show the effect of medicines that block 5-alpha reductase, such as finasteride or dutasteride. It is most useful read with testosterone, SHBG and, in women, other hormones linked to polycystic ovary syndrome.

The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have thinning hair or a receding hairline and want to understand the hormonal picture.
• You have persistent adult acne or oily skin alongside other hormone symptoms.
• You are a woman with excess facial or body hair and irregular periods.
• You take finasteride or dutasteride and would like to see the effect on DHT.
• You are on testosterone therapy and your clinician wants to monitor its conversion.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your DHT level with the laboratory reference range, which differs for men and women. A raised DHT can fit with androgen excess, including in polycystic ovary syndrome, or with testosterone therapy. A low level may be seen with low testosterone or with 5-alpha reductase inhibitor medicines.

DHT levels do not always match symptoms, because the sensitivity of hair follicles and skin to androgens varies a great deal between people. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis, and your practitioner can explain whether testosterone, SHBG or other tests would help complete the picture.

Preparing for your test

A morning sample, ideally before 10am, is preferred because androgen levels are highest early in the day. You do not need to fast. If you take biotin supplements, stop them for at least 48 hours beforehand as biotin can affect some hormone tests. Women with a regular cycle may be asked to test in the first few days after a period starts, and we confirm this when you book.

Because DHT is made from testosterone, our testosterone tests are a natural companion, and women exploring cycle or hair changes may find the Standard Screen Plus with Hormonal Health useful. You can view every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a DHT blood test in Chiswick?

A dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blood test is £189 at our Chiswick clinic. It includes the blood sample, analysis at the accredited laboratory, a practitioner review, and a GP feedback report if requested.

Does high DHT cause hair loss?

DHT plays a central role in male and female pattern hair loss, but follicle sensitivity matters as much as the level itself. Many people with hair loss have DHT within range.

Should I test testosterone as well?

Usually, yes. Testosterone and SHBG show how much hormone is available to convert to DHT, which makes the DHT result easier to interpret.

Can finasteride lower my DHT result?

Yes. Finasteride and dutasteride block the enzyme that makes DHT, so levels are expected to fall. Testing can show how much effect the medicine is having.