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What is Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin?

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein that’s made by your liver. It has an important job: carrying and controlling sex hormones in your body, like testosterone and estrogen. When a hormone is bound to SHBG, it is no longer active as tissues can only use free (not bound) hormones.

Why is SHBG important?

Males typically take this test to resolve issues related to high SHBG. This is because an excess of SHBG will bind to more testosterone, leaving less free testosterone available for use by the body. On the flip side, females typically take this test when SHBG is low as this results in abnormally high amounts of active, free testosterone.

When total testosterone levels are within the normal reference range, infertility, low libido, and/or erectile dysfunction are a few reasons why SHBG levels are tested in males. Females often check SHBG levels when experiencing infertility, acne, irregular or lack of menstruation, and/or excess hair growth.

How can I better understand my SHBG levels?

SHBG could be influenced by other underlying conditions. Abnormally high levels of SHBG may be indicative of pregnancy, weight loss, hepatitis B or C, hemochromatosis, hyperthyroidism, and a few other conditions. Abnormally low levels could be caused by obesity, insulin resistance (possibly related to metabolic disease or diabetes), PCOS, fatty liver disease, or other factors.

To help you understand your SHBG levels, you can use the reference ranges below:

  • Males:
    • Out of range: 0-13.3 nmol/L
    • In range: 13.3-18.3 nmol/L
    • Optimal: 18.3-54.8 nmol/L
    • In range: 54.8-89.5 nmol/L
    • Out of range: 89.5+ nmol/L
  • Females:
    • Out of range: 0-16.8 nmol/L
    • In range: 16.8-125.2 nmol/L
    • Out of range: 125.2+ nmol/L

SHBG is expected to increase in males and decrease in females with age, but other factors including obesity and underlying conditions may vary the normal range. For this reason, please consult with your physician if you are concerned about any of your biomarker values.

How can I maintain optimal SHBG levels?

If you need to maintain or adjust your SHBG levels, consider the following strategies:

Dietary Changes: Increasing protein intake can help to lower SHBG levels. On the other hand, limiting saturated fat intake, increasing fiber intake, and consuming more olive oil (and other sources of monounsaturated fatty acids) can help to increase SHBG levels [1][2][3].

Lifestyle Changes: Quitting cigarette smoking and abstaining from alcohol can help to lower elevated SHBG levels. To increase SHBG levels, try maintaining a healthy BMI and waist circumference and exercising regularly [4][5][6].

Supplementation: If your SHBG is elevated, you can try supplementing with boron, and if your SHBG is low, try supplementing with vitamin D [7][8].

Where can I learn more?

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH ANY OF YOUR RESULTS, PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.

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