Dihydrotestosterone
Chemical Pathology
Notes
- The clinical indications for the measurement of DHT are: investigation of 5α reductase deficiency in infants with ambiguous genitalia and palpable gonads; males with delayed puberty and/or undescended testes; and to confirm the presence of active testicular tissue. Investigation is aided by the use of human chorionic gonadotrophin stimulation. Urine steroid profiling is now more often performed.
- Measurement is rarely of use in women.
- DHT is a current requirement for patients being referred to the London Gender Identity Clinic.
Sample requirements
For adults, 5 ml of blood taken into a narrow gold top tube
For children, 3.5 ml of blood taken into a rust top tube
Storage/transport
Send at ambient temperature to the laboratory on day of sample collection.
Required information
Relevant clinical details.
Turnaround times
Samples are sent for analysis to St. Thomas' Hospital, London with results expected back within 28 days.
Reference ranges
| Age | Male | Female | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 14 days | <1.89 | <0.1 | |
| 2w - 6m | 0.14 - 4.13 | <0.1 | |
| 6m - <9.8y | <0.1 | <0.1 | Tanner stage 1 |
| 9.8y - 14.5y | 0.10 - 0.59 | 0.17 - 0.42 | Tanner stage 2 |
| 10.7 - 15.4y | 0.28 - 1.14 | 0.24 - 0.66 | Tanner stage 3 |
| 11.8y - 16.2y | 0.76 - 1.79 | 0.14 - 0.45 | Tanner stage 4 |
| 12.8y - 17.3y | 0.83 - 2.24 | 0.10 - 0.62 | Tanner stage 5 |
| Adult males | 0.86 - 3.40 | ||
| Adult females | <1.27 | Pre-menopausal | |
| Adult females | <0.62 | Post-menopausal |
Please note that there is approximately 8.7% interference from testosterone and also interference with finasteride treatment – raised results may require follow up with tandem mass spectrometry
Further information
Adult Gender Dysphoria Guidelines (RcPsych)
Page last updated 03/05/2017