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Biomarker Encyclopedia

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Home/Biomarkers/Endocrinology & Hormones/DHT
Endocrinology & HormonesAndrogen Receptor Signaling & Target Tissues

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Primary potent peripheral androgen in humans, synthesized from testosterone via 5alpha-reductase with 3-fold higher receptor affinity.

Standard Range30 - 85 ng/dL (males), <20 ng/dL (females)
Optimal Longevity35 - 65 ng/dL (males), <15 ng/dL (females)
Measurement Unitng/dL
Organ SystemAndrogen Receptor Signaling & Target Tissues
Routine Panels:Comprehensive Androgen ProfileHair Loss Evaluation

Standard vs. Optimal Reference Rangesng/dL

Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.

Interactive Range Analyzer
Unit: ng/dL
ng/dL
Presets:
21 ng/dLOptimal Zone Target115 ng/dL
Optimal Longevity Zone(50 ng/dL)

Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.

Standard Reference Interval

30 - 85 ng/dL (males), <20 ng/dL (females)

General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.

Optimal Longevity Target

35 - 65 ng/dL (males), <15 ng/dL (females)

Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.

Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose

Binds cytosolic androgen receptor inducing homodimerization and nuclear translocation to androgen response elements.

Differential Diagnosis

Elevated Levels (DHT High)

  • •Exogenous TRT
  • •PCOS in females
  • •Androgen-secreting tumors

Low Levels (DHT Low)

  • •5alpha-reductase deficiency
  • •Finasteride/Dutasteride therapy
  • •Primary hypogonadism

Technical Reference & Deep Dive

Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
At the molecular level, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is critically involved in androgen receptor signaling & target tissues. Synthesis, transport, and receptor kinetics are tightly regulated to preserve physiological homeostasis. Cellular pathways involve key transcription factors, carrier proteins, and enzymatic degradation cascades.
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Excess follicular DHT drives androgenetic alopecia in susceptible individuals, and prostatic elevation contributes to BPH.
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup

Pre-Analytical Considerations:

Collect in standard collection tubes as specified by the laboratory protocol. Avoid hemolysis and process serum/plasma promptly within 2 hours. Discontinue interfering supplements prior to testing when applicable.

Reflexive Testing Protocol:

  • Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker panel evaluation for DHT
  • Targeted imaging or functional organ assessment related to androgen receptor signaling & target tissues
  • Comprehensive metabolic and inflammatory baseline panel (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
  • [1]Clinical Reference and Physiological Dynamics of Dihydrotestosterone - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 33890124
  • [2]DHT in Human Longevity and Pathophysiological Risk Stratification - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35122901
Common Panels:Comprehensive Androgen ProfileHair Loss Evaluation
View All Panels

Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators

Medicine 3.0

Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) into overall healthspan optimization.

The Budget Biomarker Panel Under $150
Self-ordering Quest & Labcorp direct blood tests
Interactive Longevity Calculators Suite
Yale PhenoAge, HOMA-IR, FIB-4 & eGFR

Related Endocrinology & Hormones Biomarkers

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein
hs-CRP · < 0.5 mg/L
Serum Creatinine
Cr · 0.8 - 1.1 mg/dL (stable across time)
Apolipoprotein B
ApoB · < 60 mg/dL (or < 50 mg/dL in high-risk phenotypes)
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