OVERVIEW
This test measures the levels of SHBG in your blood. SHBG stands for sex hormone-binding globulin. It's a protein made by the liver and attaches itself to sex hormones found in both men and women. These hormones are:
- Testosterone, the main sex hormone in men
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), another male sex hormone
- Estradiol, a form of estrogen, the main sex hormone in women
SHBG controls how much of these hormones are delivered to the body's tissues. Although SHBG attaches to all three of these hormones, an SHBG test is mostly used to look at testosterone. SHBG levels can show if there is too much or too little testosterone being used by the body.
INTERPRETATION
If your results show your SHBG levels are too low, it may mean the protein is not attaching itself to enough testosterone. This allows more unattached testosterone to be available in your system. It may cause too much testosterone to go to your body's tissues.
If your SHBG levels are too high, it may mean the protein is attaching itself to too much testosterone. So less of the hormone is available, and your tissues may be not be getting enough testosterone.
If your SHBG levels are too low, it can be a sign of:
- Hypothyroidism, a condition in which your body doesn't make enough thyroid hormones
- Type 2 diabetes
- Overuse of steroid medications
- Cushing's syndrome, a condition in which your body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol
- For men, it can mean cancer of the testicles or adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and help control heart rate, blood pressure, and other bodily functions.
- For women, it can mean polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common hormone disorder affecting childbearing women. It is one of the leading causes of female infertility.
If your SHBG levels are too high, it can be a sign of:
- Liver disease
- Hyperthyroidism, a condition in which your body makes too much thyroid hormone
- Eating disorders
- For men, it can mean a problem with the testicles or pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is located beneath the brain and controls many body functions.
- For women, it can mean problems with the pituitary gland, or Addison disease. Addison's disease is a disorder in which the adrenal glands are not able to make enough of certain hormones.
WHY GET TESTED?
You may need this test if you have symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels, especially if a total testosterone test can't explain your symptoms. For men, it's mostly ordered if there are symptoms of low testosterone levels. For women, it's mostly ordered if there are symptoms of high testosterone levels.
Symptoms of low testosterone levels in men include:
? Low sex drive
? Difficulty getting an erection
? Fertility problems
? Symptoms of high testosterone levels in women include:
? Excess body and facial hair growth
? Deepening of voice
? Menstrual irregularities
? Acne
? Weight gain
? Fertility problems
