What does the Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) - SHBG blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
SHBG is a protein produced by the liver that binds to sex hormones, particularly testosterone and estradiol. It regulates the amount of these hormones available for use by the body's tissues. SHBG levels can be influenced by various factors, including age, sex, body composition, and certain medical conditions. This test is important for assessing hormonal balance, especially in cases of suspected testosterone or estrogen-related disorders. High or low SHBG levels can affect the amount of free (bioavailable) sex hormones in the body, potentially impacting various physiological processes, including sexual function, muscle mass, bone density, and mood.
Low SHBG levels may indicate:
Low SHBG can lead to increased free testosterone levels, which may cause symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth, and menstrual irregularities in women, or increased muscle mass and libido in men.
High SHBG levels may indicate:
High SHBG can lead to decreased free testosterone levels, potentially causing symptoms such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, and fatigue in men, or menstrual irregularities and decreased bone density in women.