DHT
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is the most potent naturally occurring androgen and is produced from free testosterone through the action of 5-alpha-reductace. 5-alpha-reductace concentrations are highest in the peripheral tissues (genital skin and hair follicles). Male and female pattern hair loss is thought to be due to the effects of DHT on genetically predisposed hair follicles. Binding of DHT to the hair follicle results in gradual miniaturization of the hair and eventual hair loss. DHT is primarily responsible for the physical changes that occur during male sexual maturation and is thought to be proportionally correlated to sex drive as well as erectile capabilities in men. In addition, DHT has been associated with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer.
Interpretation of Results
Salivary DHT represents the unbound serum fraction of DHT: therefore levels are lower than serum levels. Patients using transdermal testosterone or DHT creams may have high DHT levels.
Salivary DHT Ranges
(Unsupplemented A.M. Ranges in pg/ml)
Male 2-10 pg/ml Female 1-4 pg/ml
References
1) Bartsch G, RittmasterRS, Klocker H: Dihydrotesterone and the concept of 5-altpa-reductase inhibition in human benign prostatic hyperplasia, Eur Urol
2000:367-380
2) Dallob AL, Sadick NS et al: The effect of finasteride, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, on scalp skin testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentratioins in patients with male pattern baldness, J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1994 Sep;
79(3):703-706
3) Miller WL: Molecular biology of steroid hormone synthesis, Endocrine Rev 1998;
9:295-318
4) Pang sincerely, Levine LS, Chow D et al: Dihydrotestosterone and its relationship to testosterone in infancy and childhood. Gentlemen Clin Endocrinol Metab 1979; 48:821-826
5) Vermeulen A, Desylpere JP: Long term transdermal dihydrotestosterone therapy; effects on pituitary gonadal axis and plasma lipoprotines, Maturitas
1985;7:281-287
6) Wilson JD, Griffin JE, George JW, Lestin M: The role of gonadal steroids in sexual differentiation, Rec Progr Hormone Res 1981;37:1278-1284
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