SHBG is a protein that transports sex hormones, including testosterone and estradiol. Incorrect SHBG levels can lead to problems related to endocrine and fertility. When is it worth testing the SHBG level?

SHBG-sex hormone binding globulinis a sex hormone binding protein produced by the liver and by the prostate gland in men. In women, it is also produced by the mammary glands, endometrium and fallopian tubes. Depending on the gender, SHBG is combined with estrogens and androgens. Thanks to this, the hormones are transported in the blood.

SHBG - study

For the SHBG level test, the patient comes to the laboratory, he does not have to be on an empty stomach. A venous blood sample is taken.

The increased concentration of SHBG most likely indicates that the concentration of free testosterone available to the tissues is lower than that implied by the amount of total testosterone determined.

Lowered SHBG levels suggest that the greater part of total testosterone is not related to SHBG, it is bioavailable.

SHBG - standard

The SHBG value is influenced by many factors, including

  • age
  • gender
  • method used for blood collection

In children, the values ​​may exceed the upper limit of the norm. After puberty, the concentration of SHBG decreases. For adults, the SHBG value remains constant.

Laboratories recognize different standards for SHBG concentration, most often in the range: 20-110 nanomoles per liter.

It should be remembered, however, that it is the doctor who makes a detailed assessment of the patient's condition based on all his examinations.

When to check the SHBG level?

It is recommended to check SHBG concentration when a woman notices herself

  • disorders in the monthly cycle
  • amenorrhea
  • alopecia or hirsutism

Men should get tested when there are problems with potency or erectile dysfunction.

SHBG - increased concentration

Increased SHBG concentration occurs in many diseases. Increased SHBG values ​​can be observed, inter alia, in during:

  • hyperthyroidism
  • cirrhosis of the liver
  • anorexia
  • situations of decreased secretion of sex hormones
  • pregnancy
  • using oral contraception

SHBG - reduced concentration

Decreased sex hormone binding protein values ​​occur during:

  • hypothyroidism
  • hirsutyzmu
  • polycystic ovary syndrome
  • akromegalii
  • Cushing's disease
  • obesity
About the authorNatalia MłyńskaStudent of medicine at the Medical University of Lodz. Medicine is her greatest passion. He also loves sports, mainly running and dancing. She would like to treat her future patients in such a way as to see them as a human being, not only a disease.

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