Hormone Imbalance in Men: Testosterone, DHT, and Signs You Shouldn’t Miss
Learn about hormone imbalance in men, including testosterone and DHT changes. Recognize key symptoms early and explore solutions to restore balance and improve overall health.
Written by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 7th Aug, 2025
For men navigating their 30s and 40s, it's common to power through fatigue, mood swings, or diminishing physical stamina, often blaming stress or ageing. But these symptoms might be warning signs of a deeper issue: a hormonal imbalance, specifically involving testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These key male hormones don’t just influence sexual health; they play a critical role in everything from muscle strength and energy levels to emotional balance and hair growth.
If you ignore these changes, you might miss the early warning signs of a DHT testosterone imbalance. That’s why it’s important to consider a male hormone test. This article will explain how testosterone and DHT work in your body, what subtle signs to watch out for, and when it’s a good idea to have your hormone levels checked.
Understanding Key Male Hormones: Testosterone and DHT
Hormones are like messengers in your body, controlling many important functions. For men, testosterone is the main male hormone and is vital for overall health and growth. It’s mostly made in the testicles and affects not just physical strength and appearance, but also your mood and energy levels.
Key functions of testosterone include:
- Building and maintaining muscle mass and strength
- Supporting bone density, which helps reduce the risk of fractures
- Stimulating red blood cell production, important for oxygen delivery throughout the body
- Regulating sex drive (libido) and supporting erectile function
- Managing fat distribution across the body
- Influencing mood and energy levels, often linked to overall vitality and motivation
Another important hormone is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more biologically active form of testosterone. Around 5–10% of circulating testosterone is naturally converted into DHT through the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. DHT plays a critical role in male development, particularly during puberty, but it continues to impact health throughout adulthood.
Key effects of DHT include:
- Hair growth and hair loss: While DHT promotes body and facial hair, high levels can shrink scalp hair follicles in genetically predisposed individuals, leading to male pattern baldness.
- Prostate health: Elevated DHT levels have been associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can cause urinary symptoms in older men.
Keeping a healthy balance between testosterone and DHT is important. Changes in these hormones (whether from ageing, genetics, health issues, or medications) can impact how you look, your energy levels, sexual health, and overall wellbeing. Getting a male hormone test can help uncover the reasons behind these changes and guide the right treatment.
Signs of Hormone Imbalance You Shouldn't Miss
Hormonal shifts in men can happen gradually and often resemble common signs of ageing or stress. However, ongoing changes in energy, mood, strength, or sexual health may point to an underlying hormone imbalance. Men between the ages of 25 and 50 should be especially aware of the following symptoms, as early recognition can lead to better long-term health outcomes.
Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism):
- Persistent Fatigue and Low Energy: Feeling tired all the time, even after enough sleep, and a general lack of motivation. This is often dismissed as burnout from work.
- Mood Changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, feeling down, or experiencing "brain fog" and difficulty concentrating. You might feel less confident or motivated.
- Unexplained Weight Gain: Especially around the abdomen, even if your diet and exercise haven't changed much. Low testosterone can make it harder to build muscle and easier to store fat.
- Decreased Sex Drive (Libido): A noticeable drop in interest in sex.
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. While ED has many causes, low testosterone is a significant factor.
- Loss of Muscle Mass and Strength: Finding it harder to build or maintain muscle, even with regular workouts.
- Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Hair Loss: While often linked to DHT, overall hair thinning can also be a sign of low testosterone.
Symptoms Related to DHT Imbalance (often high DHT relative to Testosterone):
- Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia): A receding hairline or thinning at the crown of the head. This is one of the most direct signs of DHT's influence.
- Acne: Increased breakouts, particularly on the face, back, or chest, due to increased oil production.
- Prostate Issues: Though more common later in life, early signs of prostate enlargement can sometimes be linked to DHT levels.
If you're experiencing a combination of these symptoms, especially if they are new or persistent, it's worth exploring the possibility of a hormone imbalance.
When to Consider a Male Hormone Test?
If you are a man aged between 25 and 50 and notice ongoing symptoms such as persistent fatigue, changes in mood or sex drive, unexplained weight gain, or significant hair loss, it is important to discuss a male hormone test with your doctor.
- Even if your symptoms seem mild, early testing can help in several ways. It can identify hormone imbalances before they lead to more serious health issues.
- Getting these imbalances checked early can boost your energy, lift your mood, and make you feel better overall. Plus, hormone tests can help figure out if your symptoms are caused by hormone issues or something else, so you get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Your Male Hormone Test
A male hormone test typically involves a simple blood draw. Your doctor might recommend specific tests based on your symptoms and medical history. The most common tests include:
- Total Testosterone: Measures the total amount of testosterone in your blood (both bound and unbound).
- Free Testosterone: Measures the "active" testosterone that is not bound to proteins and is readily available for your body to use. This is often a more accurate indicator of symptoms.
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): Measures the level of DHT in your blood, especially relevant if hair loss or prostate concerns are present.
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): A protein that binds to testosterone. High SHBG can mean less "free" testosterone is available.
Your doctor will interpret the results based on your age, symptoms, and overall health to determine if a hormone imbalance is present and what the best course of action might be.
Trusted Male Hormone Testing with Apollo 24|7
If you're experiencing symptoms that may be linked to hormonal imbalance, Apollo 24|7 offers convenient and clinically accurate testing options tailored for men. Whether you're looking to assess your testosterone levels or investigate concerns like fatigue, low libido, or hair loss, Apollo provides a variety of hormone tests with home sample collection and timely digital reports.
Here are some key tests available:
- Testosterone Test (Total): This measures your overall testosterone levels.
- Testosterone Free Test: This measures the amount of "active" testosterone available in your body.
- DHT Test (Dihydrotestosterone): This test directly measures your DHT levels, particularly useful for concerns like hair loss or prostate health.
Apollo’s tests are performed in NABL-accredited labs, ensuring high standards of accuracy and quality. Results are typically delivered quickly through the Apollo app or website. If needed, you can also consult a doctor through the platform for guidance on your next steps.
Member priceConclusion
In your 30s and 40s, it’s common to brush off symptoms like low energy, mood swings, or hair thinning as just part of getting older or dealing with stress. But these signs might actually point to a hormone imbalance, especially with testosterone or DHT.
Getting a male hormone test can help catch these issues early, allowing for the right treatment to improve your health and wellbeing. Thanks to the convenient and reliable testing options from Apollo 24|7, it’s easier than ever to check your hormone levels. If you’ve been feeling off for a while, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
