Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
The most potent androgen, central to 5-alpha-reductase deficiency workups and tracking DHT-blocking treatments.
Consider this test if:
- Evaluating ambiguous genital development or a suspected 5-alpha-reductase deficiency, paired with a testosterone measurement for the ratio
- Tracking the effect of a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor such as finasteride or dutasteride
- Investigating androgen-driven hair loss and wanting the bioactive DHT fraction, not just total
- Interpreting androgen levels when SHBG may be altered by medications, illness, or sex steroids
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Typical results in 5-10 days · Reviewed by a real clinician
- Drawn at a CLIA/CAP-accredited lab near you ·
Pre-test considerations
No fasting is required. Morning collection is preferable since androgens follow a daily rhythm. Note any 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, testosterone, or other hormone therapy, since these directly change DHT and the testosterone-to-DHT ratio. For diagnosing 5-alpha-reductase deficiency, a paired testosterone level is needed to calculate the ratio.
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What this test is for
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the most potent androgen, made from testosterone by 5-alpha-reductase in peripheral tissues, and it drives male external genital development, prostate growth, and skin and hair follicle metabolism. This version reports total DHT along with the free fraction and percent free; because most DHT is bound to SHBG, and SHBG shifts with medications, illness, and sex steroids, free DHT more accurately reflects the bioactive hormone than total alone. Its main clinical use is differentiating 5-alpha-reductase deficiency, where DHT is inappropriately low relative to testosterone and the testosterone-to-DHT ratio rises (definitive diagnosis still requires SRD5A2 gene analysis). DHT is also followed to gauge the effect of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride and dutasteride, used for hair loss and androgen-driven conditions. Despite old assumptions, current evidence does not link higher serum DHT to benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer.
If you only need the bioactive number, the separate Free DHT test reports the free fraction on its own; this combined panel is the better choice when you want total, free, and the percent free together.
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Measures
- Mass concentration
What you'll learn
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Insights that connect the dots. A clinician reads your whole picture, not one result in isolation, connecting family history, past results, and lifestyle into clear next steps.
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Your personalized action plan. Nutrition, supplements, and training in one clinician-reviewed protocol, updated as your results change.
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Track your trends. Upload results from any lab and see each biomarker trend over time, so you know what is working.
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Never miss a recheck. Mito tells you what is worth retesting and when, then reminds you so nothing slips.
What to expect
- 1 Book instantly
Click, book, done. Choose a convenient lab location near you. Transparent, up-front pricing.
- 2 Quick lab visit
Testing to fit your busy schedule, usually 15 minutes or less. Walk-in and appointments available.
- 3 Typical results in 5-10 days
Your results post straight to your dashboard as soon as the lab completes them.
- 4 Expert guidance
Included with Mito membership. A clinician reviews your results and your personalized action plan follows, with clear next steps.
Everything your health needs,
in one membership
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Every test at our cost
Members pay our cost on every test, with lab fees passed straight through. The full receipt is itemized, never padded.
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Continuous tracking, all in one place
Upload past labs and watch your trends over time. Every marker and visit lives in one longitudinal record, so all your care stays together.
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Year-round clinician support
Text anytime and get clinician-reviewed answers. When you want to go deeper, 1:1 consultations are available at affordable rates.
All for $9/month
Order any test or consult without joining. For $9/month, members unlock member prices, trend tracking, and year-round clinician guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
View all FAQsHow does pricing work?
Every test shows the member price next to the standard non-member price, so you can see what membership saves you. The member price is our cost, covering the lab and what it takes to run the service. It is never a profit on the test itself. Mito makes its money on the $9 membership, not on marking up your tests. Membership is $9 per month, and any applicable lab order or draw fee is itemized before you pay.
Where do I get tested?
Choose an available partner lab at checkout. If your cart contains multiple blood tests, Mito helps consolidate the eligible tests at one lab when possible. At-home kits and scans follow the collection or appointment process shown on their product page.
Is this eligible for HSA/FSA?
Yes. Eligible tests can be paid for with an HSA or FSA card at checkout.
When will I get my results?
Your results appear in your Mito dashboard after the laboratory completes processing. A clinician then reviews them before your analysis and personalized action plan are finalized. Timing varies by test, and specialty assays and at-home kits may take longer.
Do I need a doctor's order?
No. Mito provides the laboratory order when one is required, so you do not need to arrange a separate doctor visit before purchasing.
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