Active Testosterone

If you've noticed changes in hair growth, skin, or how you're recovering from training, testosterone is usually what gets checked, and usually as a single total number. This test looks at DHT (dihydrotestosterone) on its own: the androgen your body converts testosterone into, and the one most responsible for what testosterone does at the tissue level.

Understanding DHT (dihydrotestosterone)

DHT is made when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone in tissues like the skin, hair follicles, and prostate. It binds androgen receptors more strongly than testosterone itself, which is why it's often described as testosterone's most biologically active form. Measuring it directly, rather than inferring it from a testosterone result, gives you a look at that receptor-level activity on its own.

Why DHT isn't part of a standard testosterone test

Most testosterone testing stops at total, or total and free, both measured relative to testosterone itself. DHT is a separate hormone with its own reference range, and it doesn't move in lockstep with testosterone: two men with identical testosterone levels can convert it to DHT at very different rates, since 5-alpha reductase activity varies by genetics. That's why DHT is worth measuring directly rather than assumed from a testosterone result.

Signs that warrant a closer look

DHT bloodwork may offer useful context if you've noticed signals like these. None of these "mean" you have a condition, but together they're worth investigating:

• Thinning hair or a receding hairline
• Oily skin or persistent acne
• Changes in libido
• A family history of male-pattern hair loss or prostate conditions
• You're using, or considering, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor like finasteride or dutasteride

Who benefits from testing

• You've noticed hair thinning, oily skin, or persistent acne, and want to check your androgen activity beyond a testosterone number
• You're using, or considering, a DHT-lowering medication like finasteride or dutasteride, and want a baseline or to track your response
• You're on TRT and want to see your DHT level on therapy
• You've had testosterone tested before and want the receptor-active form, not just the total
• You have a family history of male-pattern hair loss or prostate conditions
• You're an athlete or active man who wants a fuller view of your androgen status

How to prepare

• Book a morning appointment — DHT follows testosterone's daily rhythm, with levels highest in the early morning. Testing later in the day may give a result that appears lower than your actual baseline.
• Fast for 8–12 hours — Avoid food and caffeine in the 8–12 hours before your draw. Water is fine.
• Pause biotin supplements 48–72 hours before your draw — Biotin (in multivitamins, B-complex, and hair/skin/nail supplements) can interfere with some immunoassays.
• Continue all prescribed medications.
• Avoid intense exercise the day before — Acute exercise can temporarily affect hormone levels.

What your results show

Your result shows your circulating DHT level alongside the reference range, not just whether it reads "low" or "fine." Because DHT sits downstream of testosterone, it's most useful read alongside how you feel and, if you're already tracking it, your testosterone level. Your Superpower care team can walk you and your provider through what your specific result may mean.

Reference ranges vary by lab and individual. Your Superpower care team and your provider will interpret your specific results in context.

How it works

1. Order online — No doctor's visit required. Select the Active Testosterone test and add it to your membership or cart.
2. Get your blood drawn, morning preferred — Visit a local clinic or book an optional at-home phlebotomist visit (+$119). Schedule for the morning for the most accurate results.
3. Review your results — Results arrive in your Superpower dashboard within 10 days, where your care team is available to walk through your numbers.