Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels: what's normal, high and low
A potent androgen made from testosterone. Drives male-pattern hair growth and prostate activity.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 30.0 – 85.0 ng/dL (male, age 18+; more bands below). At TestWell it's $51.99 all-in as DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), results in 4–7 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- ng/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 4–7 business days
- Price
- $51.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| Male, age 18+ | 30.0 – 85.0 ng/dL |
| Female, age 18+ | 4.00 – 22.0 ng/dL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What does a high Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) mean?
High DHT reflects more conversion of testosterone by 5-alpha-reductase or a high testosterone supply. In men it usually accompanies testosterone therapy (especially gels), anabolic steroids or DHEA supplements and is linked to pattern hair loss, acne and prostate growth; in women a high DHT points to PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia or an androgen-producing source.
Common causes of a high Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
- Testosterone therapy (transdermal gels raise DHT most), anabolic steroids, DHEA supplements
- High 5-alpha-reductase activity (genetic)
- Women: PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-secreting tumors (rare)
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Men: scalp hair thinning, acne, oily skin, prostate enlargement symptoms
- Women: acne, facial hair, scalp hair loss, irregular periods
What clinicians usually check next
- Total and free testosterone, SHBG
- Women: DHEA-S, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, ultrasound if PCOS suspected
- Men on therapy: PSA and prostate symptoms review with the prescriber
Follow-up tests at TestWell: PSA, Total ($28.99), PSA, Free & Total ($48.99), SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) ($34.99).
Does high DHT cause hair loss?
DHT drives follicle miniaturization in people genetically prone to pattern hair loss; the level alone doesn't predict it. That's why 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors work only for some — and they change lab values too.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
What does a low Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) mean?
Low DHT is expected in anyone taking finasteride or dutasteride, which block the enzyme that makes it; those drugs lower DHT by 60–90% and that is the therapeutic goal. Without such medication, low DHT tracks low testosterone (hypogonadism) or, rarely, an inherited 5-alpha-reductase deficiency. It is interpreted with total testosterone.
Common causes of a low Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
- Finasteride, dutasteride (expected effect)
- Low testosterone from any cause
- 5-alpha-reductase deficiency (rare, inherited)
- Saw palmetto and similar supplements (modest)
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Usually none attributable to DHT itself
- Low libido or sexual side effects in a minority on 5-ARIs
What clinicians usually check next
- Total testosterone
- Medication and supplement review
I take finasteride — is my low DHT a problem?
No, it's the intended effect. Discuss with the prescriber only if you have side effects you want to weigh against the benefit.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) | This marker only | $51.99 |
| Men's Hair Health Panel | 19 tests | $499.99 |
| Men's Total Body Advanced Panel | 65 tests | $999.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $51.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $51.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $79.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Sources
Related Hormones biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Frequently asked
What does a high Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) mean?
High DHT reflects more conversion of testosterone by 5-alpha-reductase or a high testosterone supply. In men it usually accompanies testosterone therapy (especially gels), anabolic steroids or DHEA supplements and is linked to pattern hair loss, acne and prostate growth; in women a high DHT points to PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia or an androgen-producing source.
Does high DHT cause hair loss?
DHT drives follicle miniaturization in people genetically prone to pattern hair loss; the level alone doesn't predict it. That's why 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors work only for some — and they change lab values too.
What does a low Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) mean?
Low DHT is expected in anyone taking finasteride or dutasteride, which block the enzyme that makes it; those drugs lower DHT by 60–90% and that is the therapeutic goal. Without such medication, low DHT tracks low testosterone (hypogonadism) or, rarely, an inherited 5-alpha-reductase deficiency. It is interpreted with total testosterone.
I take finasteride — is my low DHT a problem?
No, it's the intended effect. Discuss with the prescriber only if you have side effects you want to weigh against the benefit.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my dihydrotestosterone (dht)?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) results?
Most Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) test cost?
Our DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) starts at $51.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) test?
Fasting is not required for the Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your dihydrotestosterone (dht)?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $51.99.