---
title: "What does a high Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) mean?"
type: biomarker-interpretation
url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dihydrotestosterone-dht/high"
biomarker: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
direction: high
reference_range:
  - "Male, age 18+: 30.0 – 85.0 ng/dL"
  - "Female, age 18+: 4.00 – 22.0 ng/dL"
reviewed_at: 2026-09-06
review_status: reviewed
date_published: 2026-09-05
---

# 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.


## What is the normal range for Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?

- Male, age 18+: 30.0 – 85.0 ng/dL
- Female, age 18+: 4.00 – 22.0 ng/dL



## What are the common causes of high Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?

1. Testosterone therapy (transdermal gels raise DHT most), anabolic steroids, DHEA supplements
2. High 5-alpha-reductase activity (genetic)
3. Women: PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-secreting tumors (rare)

## What symptoms go with high Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?

- Men: scalp hair thinning, acne, oily skin, prostate enlargement symptoms
- Women: acne, facial hair, scalp hair loss, irregular periods

## What do 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](https://www.test-well.com/tests/psa-total) ($28.99), [PSA, Free & Total](https://www.test-well.com/tests/psa-free-and-total) ($48.99), [SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/shbg-sex-hormone-binding-globulin) ($34.99).

## How do you recheck Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?

| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Men's Hair Health Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/mens-hair-health-panel) | Panel (19 tests) | $499.99 | No | 4–7 business days |
| [DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/dihydrotestosterone) | Test | $51.99 | No | 4–7 business days |

Plus one $6 lab processing fee per order; physician authorization included.

## Common questions

### 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.

## Related

- [What does a low Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) mean?](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dihydrotestosterone-dht/low)
- [Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) reference ranges](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dihydrotestosterone-dht)
- [Total Testosterone reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/total-testosterone)
- [Free Testosterone reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/free-testosterone)
- [SHBG reference range](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/shbg)

## Sources

- [Mayo Clinic Labs](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/8055)

---

Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-06. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/editorial-policy

Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/dihydrotestosterone-dht/high
Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt

Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.