Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT, is known to be the biggest cause of hereditary baldness in men.

More about dihydrotestosterone

Dihydrotestosterone, or androstanolone, is a biologically active substance made in the cell from its less active precursor, testosterone, using the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.

As we age, the dihydrotestosterone in our bodies increases. When the hair follicles are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone, they will begin to shrink. As the hair follicles shrink, the hairs become thinner and thinner with less pigment and have a shorter life span. Eventually the hair follicles are too weak to produce a hair and will die. When this process continues, men will develop the familiar pattern of baldness (inlets and balding crown).

Therefore, to counteract development of baldness in men, drugs that inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase are sometimes given, such as finasteride and dutasteride. Minoxidil is also administered locally against baldness.

Hereditary hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, also occurs in about 3% of women under 30. Since women often consider their hair to be one of the most important external features, this can be very annoying. Hereditary hair loss is caused by dihydrotestosterone. This testosterone causes the hair follicles to shrivel and prevents healthy hairs from growing. After a while the hair dies completely and no hair will grow back. If this continues for a while, thinner patches of hair will appear in the woman.

Reference values:

• Men: +/- 0.20 - 2.90 nmol/L depending on age
• Women: +/- 0.03 - 0.30 nmol/L depending on age

DHT is decreased in:
Hypogonadism, 5-alpha reductase deficiency, Klinefelter's syndrome, impotence, liver cirrhosis, estrogen treatment.

DHT is elevated in:
Early puberty, adrenogenital syndrome, adrenal tumors, testis and ovarian tumors, hirsutism*, polycystic ovaries**

*Excessive hair growth in women, in a male pattern. This means that hairs grow in places where women do not normally have hairs, such as on the face (beard and mustache), on the neck, on the chest, around the nipples, on the lower abdomen between the navel and pubic area, and on the legs. The hairs are also dark and thick, much more visible than the light-colored small downy hairs normally found on the face and body of women that are not visible or barely visible.

Hirsutism is common, about 5% of women of childbearing age suffer from it. It is seen by health insurance companies as only a cosmetic problem, but the women who suffer from it suffer greatly. It is caused by a hormonal imbalance.

**In polycystic ovarian syndrome, the ovaries make too much male hormone.

• Ovulation becomes irregular or fails to occur.
• You may experience increased hairiness and pimples.
• It is more common when you are overweight.
• Losing weight can help.
• Hormones can help trigger ovulation.
• Contact your doctor if you want to get pregnant

Method used: Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)

By coupling liquid chromatography (LC) with mass spectrometry (MS), analytical scientists have a powerful tool to meet stringent quality requirements. Because of their versatility and efficiency, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instruments are used in many modern analytical laboratories.