DHT and Libido: What the Hormone Does

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is formed from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, mainly in the prostate, skin and hair follicles. It drives male sexual development at puberty, body hair and prostate growth, and it is associated with male-pattern hair loss.

DHT and libido

Sexual desire depends on several hormones, including testosterone, DHT and estradiol, and on factors that are not hormonal, such as sleep, stress, medication and the relationship itself. Low libido is a reason to measure, not to take a hormone.

How it is measured

DHT is measured in blood or, together with its metabolites, in the DUTCH urine test. It is read alongside total and free testosterone and SHBG.

If treatment is needed, Dr. Garant prescribes it according to the approved product information or refers you to a specialist.

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Related: our Men’s Health assessment page explains how we evaluate this clinically.