Sex Hormone Binding Globuline (SHBG) Test

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein synthesised by the liver. It helps transport hormones like testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and oestradiol in the blood in their biologically inactive forms. When your SHBG levels fluctuate, the number of hormones available for your body’s use can get affected.

SHBG monitors and controls how much of the three hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and oestradiol need to be delivered to the body’s tissues. In the absence of the sex hormone-binding globulin, these hormones will not be sent to their respective body tissues for use. Testosterone excess or a lack of it can cause problems in the individual. The sex hormone-binding globulin is essential for adequate and proper use of testosterone.

The Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test measures the level of sex hormone-binding globulin in the blood and helps evaluate testosterone deficiency and testosterone excess.

Although the sex hormone-binding globulin attaches itself to all these three hormones, the Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test is used to measure testosterone alone.

Studies show that the Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test helps monitor children with possible attributes of metabolic syndrome. Research also states that the Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test assesses ischaemic stroke risk in postmenopausal women.

Androgen deficiency, Disorders of puberty, Anorexia nervosa, Thyrotoxicosis

The Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test measures the level of sex hormone-binding globulin in your blood. The Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test helps detect the presence or absence of SHBG in the blood.

The Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test is prescribed for adults of both genders. It is usually advised for men who complain of symptoms due to low testosterone levels and women who exhibit symptoms of high testosterone levels. The Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test is advised when you have symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels and the total testosterone test results are inconclusive

This test is prescribed in the following cases-

Symptoms of low testosterone levels in men

If you are a man who is experiencing any of the following symptoms, your doctor may advise you to get the Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test done.

• Low sex drive
• Fertility issues
• Difficulty in getting an erection or maintaining an erection

Symptoms of high testosterone in women

If you are a woman experiencing any of the following symptoms, your doctor may advise you to get the Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test done.

• Excessive hair growth on face and body
• Acne
• Menstrual irregularities
• Deepening of voice
• Weight gain
• Fertility issues

Your doctor may repeat the Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test based on your diagnosis and symptoms. If you start your treatment for excess or deficiency of testosterone in your body, then the doctor may suggest repeating the Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test every 3-6 months to check if the treatment is working.

Regular monitoring and testing allow your doctor to check the prognosis of your condition and how you are responding to the treatment. In addition, follow-up tests of the Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test help provide detailed information about the severity of the disease and how the disease has progressed over time.

The Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test takes a sample of your blood for testing. It does not require any special preparation. However, if you are getting other related blood tests done along with the Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test, you may need not eat or drink anything for 10-12 hours based on the tests.

Before the Test

This test does not require any preparation from your end. The Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test is usually advised in the mornings for males as the testosterone levels exhibit diurnal variations and are usually higher in the mornings.

During the Test

It is a simple blood test that will get over in 5-10 minutes. You do not need to prepare for the test in any way.

After the Test

There are no restrictions after the Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test. Therefore, you can resume regular activity after the test.

The parameters included in the Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test are the measures of the sex hormone-binding globulin levels in the blood. If you get the Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test done as part of your hormonal profile tests, it will consist of other values like testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestrogen and progesterone along with the sex hormone-binding globulin levels.

The Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test results are usually reported in nanomoles per litre (mmol/L). If you have gotten the entire hormonal panel of tests done, you will get the reports of all parameters.

The Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test results report the levels of SHBG in the blood.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

Normal Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test ranges may vary depending on the laboratory.

• High levels of SHBG indicate that less free testosterone is available to your tissues for use that is indicated by a total testosterone test.
• Low levels of SHBG indicate that more of the total testosterone is available for use and not bound to SHBG.

Low sex hormone-binding globulin levels can be seen in people with-

• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Metabolic syndrome
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Androgen (anabolic steroid use)
• Cushing syndrome
• Excessive use of glucocorticoids like prednisone or dexamethasone

High sex hormone-binding globulin levels can be seen in people with-

• Liver disorders
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa
• Oestrogen use (hormone replacement therapy in perimenopausal women and oral contraceptives)
• Decreased sex hormone (testosterone) production in men (hypogonadism)
• Pregnancy
• The Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test results are useful for the following conditions-
• Diagnosis and follow up of women experiencing symptoms of androgen excess (PCOS and idiopathic hirsutism)
• Monitoring sex-steroid and antiandrogen therapy
• Diagnosis of disorders related to puberty
• Diagnosis and follow up of anorexia nervosa
• Diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis (a tissue marker for excess thyroid hormone)
• Diagnosis and follow up of cardiovascular diseases, insulin-resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk assessment, more specifically in women

Based on your Sex hormone-binding Globulin Test results, the doctor may require some other tests from the hormonal panel to confirm the clinical diagnosis.