Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Specialist

also —

What it isDHT is testosterone's more potent cousin, produced when 5α-reductase enzymes remove a double bond. It binds androgen receptors more tightly than testosterone itself.

DoesDrives prostate growth, scalp hair loss, beard and body hair, and sebum production. Critical for male sexual development.

GoodA mid-range DHT signals balanced androgen signaling without excess prostate or hair follicle stimulation.

BadHigh DHT drives male pattern hair loss and prostate enlargement. Very low DHT can blunt libido and sexual even when testosterone is adequate.

Standard

Men 30–85 ng/dL.

Optimal

40–60 ng/dL (narrow target)

Modifiers

Tracks testosterone roughly; rises with TRT; genetics drive 5α-reductase activity.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Resistance training; weight loss.
Diet: Adequate zinc.
Supplements: Zinc, saw palmetto (320mg/day, mild 5α-reductase inhibition), pumpkin seed oil; for hair loss reduction.
Peptides: —
Drugs: Finasteride and dutasteride lower DHT (used for hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia).

within Men's Hormones