We receive compensation from the providers of the services and products featured on this website. This impacts the offers’ positioning, rating & scoring. Advertising Disclosure

STDWatch
Search...

What Is Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)?

The information provided herein does not constitute an expert or medical advice, nor intended to replace such advice.

Health and Wellness

Hormone levels play a very important role in your health, and your body is constantly using different mechanisms to keep your hormones within a normal range. When your hormone levels are too low or too high, you can develop a wide range of symptoms and manifestations that can affect your wellbeing.

Sex hormone-binding globulin is one of these mechanisms. Keep reading to learn more about sex hormone-binding globulin, its functions, and what your normal test results should be.

What is sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)?

Sex hormone-binding globulin, or SHBG, is a type of protein that is produced in your liver. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, SHBG is produced by both men and women and it binds to three different sex hormones, which are:

  • Estrogen
  • Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
  • Testosterone

After it binds to these hormones, SHBG is able to carry them throughout your bloodstream. But when hormones are bound to SHBG, they can’t be used by your tissues. That’s why SHBG levels are a mechanism that helps regulate sex hormone levels in your body, especially testosterone levels

Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men, but it’s also important in female health. Having low testosterone levels can cause problems for men, while high testosterone levels can affect women.

What is a SHBG blood test?

As its name suggests, a SHBG blood test can be used to measure the levels of SHBG circulating in your bloodstream.

In men, approximately 45-65% of testosterone in the blood is bound to SHBG, while 66-78% of testosterone in women is bound to this protein. As a result, a SHBG test is a good indicator of how much testosterone is in your blood and how much is going to your tissues.

The test is performed using a sample of venous blood, which is collected with a needle. You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for a SHBG blood test. However, you should inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re currently taking, since some substances can alter your hormone levels or test results.

Biotin supplements are known to affect sex hormone-binding globulin normal levels. If you’re taking biotin, you should wait at least 8 hours after taking the supplement before getting this test.

Sex hormone-binding globulin test results are typically ready within 1-3 days. You should always discuss SHBG results and other test results with your healthcare provider so you understand what your results mean, and how to take care of your health.

Sex hormone binding globulin female levels

Sex hormone binding globulin ranges for women between the ages of 18-46 are 18.2-135.5 nmol/L. SHBG normal test results for postmenopausal women are 16.8-125.2 nmol/L.

Sex hormone binding globulin male levels

For adult men, normal SHBG test results range between 13.3-89.5 nmol/L.

Who needs a SHBG test?

Your healthcare provider could ask for a SHBG test if they suspect that you have abnormal testosterone levels, especially if total testosterone test results don’t explain your symptoms. 

According to MedlinePlus, this test can help determine just how much testosterone is actually going to your tissues in order to be used by your body. A total testosterone test, on the other hand, can determine how much testosterone is in your body, but not how much testosterone is available for use.

In most cases, men who get a SHBG test have symptoms of low testosterone. Women who need this test typically have signs of high testosterone levels.

According to Mayo Clinic Laboratories, SHBG testing can also be useful for:

  • Monitoring hormone therapy
  • Diagnosing puberty disorders
  • Diagnosing and managing eating disorders
  • Diagnosing thyrotoxicosis
  • Diagnosing and monitoring diabetes and heart disease

Causes of low SHBG

Low SHBG levels could mean that the protein isn’t binding itself to enough testosterone. This means that more testosterone is going to your tissues, which could lead to high testosterone symptoms.

According to the NHS Foundation Trust, some causes of low SHBG include:

  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Hyperinsulinemia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Excessive growth hormone levels
  • Certain medications, such as steroids, androgens, and progestins
  • Testicular or adrenal cancer (in men)
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (in women)
  • Cushing’s syndrome
  • A genetic disorder

Causes of high SHBG

High SHBG results could signal that the protein is attaching to too much testosterone, which decreases the amount of hormone that’s available for your tissues to use. This could lead to low testosterone symptoms.

Some of the possible causes of high SHBG include:

SHBG isn’t part of routine lab testing, and it’s very likely that your doctor will order other tests along with it. A combination of tests allows your doctor to get a clearer picture of your hormone levels and determine the cause of any underlying conditions.

Visit STDWatch.com now to find more articles on many topics surrounding your sexual and reproductive health, including STDs, at-home STD testing, and safe sex tips. 

Sources

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (Blood) - urmc.rochester.edu

SHBG Blood Test - medlineplus.gov

TEST ID : SHBG1 - mayocliniclabs.com

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) - gloshospitals.nhs.uk


Dr. Andrea Pinto Lopez

Dr. Andrea Pinto Lopez

Sep 19, 2022

You may also like

10 panel STD tests
Choose the right 10 panel STD tests for you in the most private, safe and affordable way possible
Updated at Oct 25, 2023

Hannah Kingston

Sexual Health
STD Tests
3 min read

Can I have an STD without knowing it?
You can have without knowing it. One of the reasons many people don't know they're infected is that many STDs don't have any symptoms.
Updated at Feb 06, 2023

Tommy Gonzales

Sexual Health
STD Symptoms
3 min read

How Do I Know Which STD Test I Need?
There are many STDs known today, making it sometimes confusing to know which test you should get and when.
Updated at Feb 06, 2023

Tommy Gonzales

Sexual Health
STD Tests
3 min read

Top 3 STD Testing Services
Most Popular
logo

9.9

    • Confidential results in 2-5 days
    • Free & discreet shipping - both ways
    • Uses hospitals labs for max accuracy
    • Medical support available 24/7
    • Consultation for treatment options
    • FSA & HSA cards accepted
    • FDA listed tests