Indicator Explainer
Dihydrotestosterone
The most potent androgen, required for sex development. Dihydrotestosterone is synthesized from testosterone in the prostate gland, testes, hair follicles and adrenal glands by 5-alpha reductase. Dihydrotestosterone exerts its action similar to testosterone, which binds to and activates specific nuclear androgen receptors. After translocation into the nucleus, the activated hormone-receptor complex binds to the androgen response elements on the DNA and activates gene expressions that are required for sex development. Dihydrotestosterone is responsible for the formation of male primary sex characteristics and most male secondary sex characteristics during puberty, such as muscular growth, facial and body hair growth, and deepening of the voice.
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C29619. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-19. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also Known As
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Dihydrotestosterone (C29619)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C29619. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Dihydrotestosterone Promotes Hetian Sheep Dermal Papilla Cell Proliferation by Inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad Signalling Pathway. — Vet Med Sci, 2026-09-01 (PMID 42778263; literature)
- Study of the rapid vasodilating effect induced by 5β-dihydrotestosterone in the isolated pulmonary arteries of female and male rats. — Endocr Res, 2026-10-14 (PMID 42875376; literature)