Knowing if your dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels are high primarily involves a medical evaluation, which includes blood tests, alongside recognizing specific physical symptoms.
Definitive Diagnosis: Blood Tests
The most accurate and definitive way to determine if your DHT levels are elevated is through a blood test. A healthcare professional can order a serum DHT test, which measures the amount of DHT circulating in your bloodstream.
- Consult a Doctor: If you suspect high DHT, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They will assess your symptoms, medical history, and determine if a DHT test is appropriate.
- Test Interpretation: The results of a DHT blood test need to be interpreted by a doctor. Normal ranges can vary based on age, gender, and laboratory, so a professional can accurately assess whether your levels are considered high and what that might signify for your health.
- Beyond DHT: Your doctor might also test other hormone levels, such as testosterone, to get a complete picture of your endocrine health, as DHT is a potent androgen derived from testosterone.
Observable Symptoms of High DHT
While a blood test confirms high DHT, several physical and physiological signs can indicate elevated levels. Recognizing these symptoms can prompt you to seek medical attention.
1. Hair-Related Changes
High DHT is notoriously linked to hair loss, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals.
- Androgenetic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Hair Loss): This is the most common symptom. In men, it often presents as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. In women, it typically appears as diffuse thinning over the scalp, often wider at the part line.
- Hair Miniaturization: DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, producing finer, shorter, and less pigmented hairs over time, eventually leading to a complete cessation of hair growth from the affected follicles.
2. Skin and Hair Growth on Body
Beyond scalp hair loss, high DHT can impact other areas of the body:
- Increased Body and Facial Hair: Despite causing hair loss on the scalp, high DHT can stimulate hair growth in other areas, leading to more prominent body hair, including on the chest, back, and limbs, and increased facial hair.
- Adult Acne: Elevated androgen levels, including DHT, can stimulate sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production and a higher likelihood of adult acne, particularly on the face, back, and chest.
- Increased Sweating: Some individuals with high DHT may experience excessive sweating.
3. Other Systemic Signs
High DHT can also contribute to a range of broader health issues:
- Aggression: Hormonal imbalances, including elevated androgens like DHT, can sometimes be associated with changes in mood or increased aggression.
- Sleep Apnea: There can be a correlation between high androgen levels and conditions like sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep.
- High Red Blood Cell Count (Polycythemia): Androgens can stimulate erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells. Persistently high DHT might contribute to an elevated red blood cell count.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Hormonal imbalances, including those involving androgens, can sometimes play a role in regulating blood pressure.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you are experiencing a combination of these symptoms, especially progressive hair loss, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms, including whether high DHT is a contributing factor, and discuss appropriate management strategies. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment are not recommended due to the complexity of hormonal balances and potential underlying health conditions.
