5-ALPHA DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE (5 ALPHA-DHT)

Measuring DHT provides unique insights that standard Testosterone tests cannot, making it crucial for: Investigating Hair Loss: Diagnosing the hormonal basis of Androgenetic Alopecia (male/female pattern baldness). Diagnosing 5-Alpha Reductase Deficiency: Identifying a rare genetic disorder where individuals lack the enzyme needed to convert Testosterone to DHT, leading to undervirilization in males. Monitoring Treatment: Assessing the effectiveness of drugs like Finasteride (Propecia) or Dutasteride, which work by blocking the 5-alpha reductase enzyme and lowering DHT levels. Evaluating Hirsutism: Investigating excess male-pattern hair growth in women.

During fetal development, $\text{DHT}$ is essential for the formation of male external genitalia. In puberty, it drives the growth of body hair and facial hair and contributes to the enlargement of the prostate gland.