SHBG Lab Test

Key Highlights Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) plays an important role in keeping hormones balanced. It is essential for good health. SHBG controls the amount of sexual hormones, like testosterone and estrogen, in your body. By binding to these hormones, it helps manage their activity. A proper balance of SHBG is key for overall well-being. It is important to test your shbg levels. This helps in finding and treating various health problems. Learn what high and low SHBG levels mean for your health. Understand why some at-risk groups need to check their SHBG levels regularly. Discover simple and cost-effective ways for SHBG testing without a doctor's appointment. Introduction Understanding your sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels is important for your health. SHBG helps keep your hormones balanced. It can influence things like testosterone levels and thyroid hormone production. If your SHBG levels are too high or too low, it may indicate that you have health issues. Testing your SHBG levels can provide helpful information about your hormonal health. This test can help detect conditions such as liver disease or polycystic ovary syndrome early, in conjunction with other tests. This allows you to get the treatment you need sooner. Understanding SHBG and Its Role in Your Health SHBG stands for sex hormone binding globulin. It is a key protein in our blood. This protein binds to hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When it binds, it helps control the free hormones that the tissues can use. This is very important because females have testosterone in smaller amounts, while too much testosterone can lead to a variety of issues. SHBG affects many functions in our bodies. It is crucial to understand SHBG levels. If these levels are not balanced, it can lead to problems like low testosterone or too much estrogen. These issues can impact fertility, libido, and overall health. To maintain hormone balance and help with health problems, regular testing of SHBG levels is important. What is SHBG and Why is It Important? SHBG means Sex Hormone Binding Globulin. It is a blood transport protein that carries sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. SHBG plays a key role in managing how these hormones function and their levels in the body. This impacts several areas of health, such as fertility, metabolism, and overall hormone balance. How SHBG Affects Hormone Balance and Health SHBG plays a key role in keeping hormones balanced and supporting good health. It connects with sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. This connection helps manage how much of these hormones the body can use. When SHBG levels are too high, it can lead to symptoms of hormone deficiency. If SHBG is low, there may be too many free hormones. This can cause issues like acne or infertility. It is important to know how SHBG affects hormone balance. This knowledge helps manage different health problems and promotes overall wellness. Maintaining proper SHBG levels is essential for a healthy balance of hormones and overall health. The Link Between SHBG Levels and Health Conditions SHBG levels are key to our health. When SHBG levels are high, it can mean issues like liver disease or hyperthyroidism. When they are low, it might be linked to obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome. A change in SHBG can impact our hormones and cause problems like erectile dysfunction or infertility. Knowing how SHBG levels connect to health conditions can help us manage our health better. Regular testing and monitoring give us important information on risks and assist with early treatment. High SHBG Levels: What They Mean and Possible Health Implications Elevated SHBG levels, or high levels of SHBG, can signal issues like liver disease or hyperthyroidism. Additionally, hormone replacement therapy and other medications like estrogen can cause high SHBG. High SHBG levels can reduce free testosterone levels, which can hurt testosterone production. This can lead to problems with libido, muscle mass, and bone density. People with high SHBG may feel tired, gain weight, or experience reduced sexual function. It is important to know about elevated SHBG levels to manage hormonal imbalances and stay healthy. Regular check-ups and proper actions can help maintain a good hormonal balance. Low SHBG Levels: Symptoms and Associated Conditions Individuals with low SHBG levels can have several symptoms, particularly during puberty. These might include problems like hypogonadism and low testosterone levels. For women, low SHBG can cause irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and unwanted hair growth. For men, it can lead to erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and infertility. Low SHBG levels are also linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity. These issues come from changes in hormone levels. Testing SHBG levels is crucial. It helps find these symptoms and conditions early. When we detect them early, we can manage and treat the problems better. It is important to note that testosterone therapy and anabolic agents decrease SHBG and increase free testosterone. Why and When to Test Your Serum Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Level Testing your SHBG levels is important for checking hormone balance and overall health. If you have symptoms like low libido or infertility, SHBG testing can help find hormone issues. It is good to check these levels often, especially for people who are at risk, like those with liver disease or polycystic ovary syndrome. This helps ensure SHBG levels stay in the normal range. By understanding how SHBG affects sex hormone levels, you can make better health choices and quickly address any problems that arise. Identifying Symptoms That Warrant an SHBG Test Feeling tired, having irregular periods, or dealing with symptoms of high testosterone like acne could mean you need an SHBG test. Other signs to watch for include low sex drive, sudden weight gain, or difficulty getting pregnant. These could all suggest issues with sex hormone-binding globulin levels. If you notice ongoing symptoms related to hormone levels or reproductive health, it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor about an SHBG test along with other important evaluations. Finding problems early with the right tests can help you get quick treatment. Regular Monitoring for At-Risk Groups Regularly checking SHBG levels is very important. This is especially true for those who might have hormone problems. People at risk include postmenopausal women, people with liver disease, and those with polycystic ovary syndrome. They should consider getting SHBG tests now and then. Keeping track of these levels can help spot issues early and manage conditions better. By being active in checking SHBG levels, people in these groups can work to keep their hormones balanced and stay healthy. Always remember, regular checks are key to avoiding possible health issues. Accessing SHBG Testing: Affordable and Convenient Options For people who want to check their SHBG levels easily and affordably, there are several good options. You can use lab tests and testing services that go directly to consumers. These options let you order an SHBG blood test online, ensuring a fast turnaround time. You do not need to see a doctor, and the prices are reasonable. You will only give a small amount of blood sample at a local lab. After that, you will quickly receive clear results for your SHBG testing. This method makes it simple to monitor your hormone health. How to Get an SHBG Test Without a Doctor Visit Discounted Labs sells an affordable SHBG test available online without a doctor visit if you live in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa (Des Moines), Kansas, Kentucky (Louisville & Lexington), Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana (Great Falls), Nebraska (Omaha & Lincoln), Nevada, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio (Cleveland & Akron), Oklahoma (OKC), Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah (Salt Lake City), Virginia, and Washington. Understanding the Costs: No Insurance Required If you want to check your SHBG levels and you don’t have insurance, there are budget-friendly options. Some labs allow you to order tests online without visiting a doctor. The prices usually range from $45 (Discounted Labs) to $150. The cost varies based on the lab and the tests you need. By not using insurance, you can take better control of your health. You can affordably access important information about your hormone levels. Don’t let insurance limits hold you back from checking your SHBG levels regularly. Conclusion Monitoring your sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels is very important. It helps you learn about your hormone balance and health. Checking SHBG levels along with total testosterone can help find problems. This could include hormonal imbalances, liver disease, or polycystic ovary syndrome. SHBG testing provides useful information about different health issues. This can lead to timely care and better treatment plans that fit your needs. Regular SHBG testing is especially beneficial for those at risk. It can help keep hormone levels healthy and prevent potential health problems. Be proactive and check your SHBG levels regularly. Frequently Asked Questions Who Should Consider Testing Their SHBG Levels? Understanding your SHBG levels is important for your health. If you have hormonal imbalances, low or high testosterone, or health issues like PCOS or thyroid problems, you should consider SHBG level testing. It is also important to check these levels regularly if you are in a risk group. How Often Should I Test My SHBG Levels? Regular monitoring is important. You should consider testing SHBG levels each year or when your doctor suggests it. Watching these levels can help you notice changes, see how well treatment is working, and keep your hormones balanced. Can Diet and Lifestyle Affect SHBG Levels? Eating a balanced diet and staying active can change your SHBG levels. Factors like food choices, exercise, and handling stress can affect how much SHBG your body produces. This can also impact your hormone balance and overall health. Understanding how these factors connect can help you keep your SHBG levels at their best. What Steps Should I Take if My SHBG Levels Are Abnormal? If your SHBG levels are not right, you should speak with a healthcare provider. They can explain what is happening. Treatment options will depend on why your SHBG levels are off. You may need to change your lifestyle, adjust your medications, or consider hormone therapy to get back to normal. It is also important to check your levels regularly. This way, you can see how well the treatment is working and make changes if needed.

Table of Contents SHBG and the Free Testosterone Relationship What Causes High SHBG? Other factors that can contribute to high SHBG include:   Get Your Levels Checked: SHBG Test, Free & Total Testosterone Test How to Lower SHBG Levels: Very Low SHBG : Low SHBG has also been associated with: Is SHBG an Enemy of Hormone? - Emerging Studies References: Testosterone is the primary and dominant male hormone. It is responsible for numerous functions within the human body in men and women, and when levels are too low, it can lead to multiple health issues. Unfortunately, as many know, testosterone levels naturally decline as we age. Numerous external factors can contribute to lower levels of testosterone. In either case, age or external, symptoms occur, problems arise, and solutions are needed to stop the decline. For many men, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the answer to this problem.  Men should ensure that their testosterone free and total, estradiol and other hormone factors are within normal levels. One of those hormone tests to monitor is the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test.   SHBG and the Free Testosterone Relationship   When our body produces testosterone or provides it exogenously, a set level of testosterone flows through the body. This testosterone blood level can be measured precisely through a simple blood test aptly referred to as the Total Testosterone blood test. For most adult men, when testing their total testosterone, if it falls in the 350 ng/dl to 1100 ng/dl range, this will be considered medically optimal. Such individuals, even exhibiting low testosterone symptoms, will often not be prescribed TRT. In some cases, this may be a correct diagnosis; in other cases, symptoms exist for different reasons, but in most cases, something else is at play, which makes SHBG important.   While useful, measuring total testosterone is only useful with also measuring Free Testosterone. Free testosterone is a small fraction of your total testosterone. It is often referred to as "unbound," meaning the testosterone your body will use for its intended androgenic function. Free testosterone is so important that if your total testosterone levels are within range, if free testosterone levels are low, in most cases, the man will be symptomatic of low testosterone. This issue is often due to high levels of SHBG in the body.   For this reason, many men will attempt to lower their SHBG or even fret over it. However, SHBG serves an essential purpose. As is with estrogen, too much can be problematic, but so can too little. SHBG is no different.   Of all the testosterone flowing through your body, only 2% is what we can refer to as unbound or free testosterone. From a layman's perspective, to increase free and unbound testosterone, they'd need to increase their total testosterone. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way – it often helps and often fixes the issue, but not always – and here's why: our testosterone is bound to albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Approximately one-third of total testosterone binds to albumin, and the rest to SHBG.   Albumin is a protein that binds testosterone, and we can say it does so loosely. This protein carries testosterone through the bloodstream and releases it as needed. The testosterone detaches and becomes what's often referred to as bioavailable or free testosterone. The testosterone that separates from albumin becomes the testosterone that influences your body's functions from sex organs, muscle tissue, brain function, and a host of other areas of bodily function. Testosterone attached to SHBG cannot do this; it is attached and does not detach.   What Causes High SHBG?   As testosterone attached to SHBG is relatively useless, if SHBG levels increase within the body, there will be more attaches and less free testosterone to circulate. Conversely, lower levels of SHBG are associated with higher levels of free testosterone, which is often associated with positive influences on bodily functions, such as libido, mood, muscle mass, etc.   Numerous factors influence how much sex hormone-binding globulin we have in our bodies. Age is one of the primary factors that affect SHBG. Often as we age, SHBG levels increase, and as a result, free testosterone levels go down. Even if our total testosterone levels remain high or optimal, our bioavailable testosterone decreases if SHBG levels increase.   Other factors that can contribute to high SHBG include: Fatty Liver Excessive or what we might call chronic alcohol consumption can lead to a fatty liver and impending higher levels of SHBG and corresponding lower levels of free testosterone. The disease can also be a factor, such as cirrhosis or cancer. Thyroid issues An underactive and overactive thyroid can lead to elevated SHBG, not to mention issues associated with the thyroid. Overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism is often associated with graves' disease, thyroid nodules, or thyroiditis. It can also exist due to abuse of thyroid medications, such as Cytomel (T3). Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism may be caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland, pituitary damage, too little iodine in the diet, or genetic factors, along with other possible reasons. Elevated estradiol High levels of estradiol can occur for numerous reasons, which are not limited to using certain antibiotics, some mental health medications, obesity, and abuse of exogenous testosterone. Obesity & High triglycerides While not as expected of a factor for increasing SHBG, being overweight with a low lipid profile can negatively impact. Inflammation While some level of inflammation is necessary for general health in the fight against disease or injury, what we might call chronic inflammation can lead to increases in SHBG and corresponding lower levels of free testosterone   Get Your Levels Checked: SHBG Test, Free & Total Testosterone Test   Testing your SHBG levels along with both total and free testosterone is particularly important if one wants to get to the bottom of hypogonadism (low testosterone) symptoms they may be experiencing. Remember, a total testosterone test alone, which some physicians will run, is not enough. For most adult men, SHBG levels will run between 10 nmol/L and 60 nmol/L if in the optimal range. If SHBG levels are greater than 60 nmol/L and your free testosterone is less than 2% of your total testosterone, there is a good chance your SHBG levels are too high.   Discounted Labs sells several lab test panels that measure SHBG levels that you can buy without a doctor's visit:   Testosterone (Total and Free), SHBG, CBC - Hematocrit, Ultrasensitive Estradiol and PSA   Testosterone, Free, Bioavailable and Total (Upper Limit T 1,500 ng/dL) plus SHBG   CBC, CMP, TT, FT, Lipids, Prolactin, Ultra-Sensitive Estradiol, and SHBG   Testosterone, Free, Bioavailable, and Total, LC/MS (No Upper Limit) plus SHBG   As we now understand SHBG, our next question is what can be done to lower it, increasing free testosterone in the body? There is nothing we can do about aging. As each day passes, we grow older, but there are still things we can do that will improve this factor.   How to Lower SHBG Levels:   The most obvious answer to the problem of low free testosterone and high levels of SHBG is to increase testosterone. Exercise more, consume a cleaner diet, and lose weight; all of these things will increase your testosterone levels. Your levels may not increase massively, but some increase means a higher total to pull from and a greater amount of free testosterone based on the 2% fraction. If this isn't enough - perhaps you're not reaching a 2% fraction due to elevated SHBG – one may need to consider talking to their doctor about testosterone supplementation. However, even if supplementing with exogenous testosterone, the habits mentioned are good for overall health and can only have a positive impact.   Another possible solution, and one of the more commonly needed, is lowering estradiol levels in the body. We tend to think estrogen hormones are needed for females only, but they are also crucial for men, granted in smaller amounts. As it pertains to estrogen, too much estradiol can lead to elevated levels of SHBG. If testosterone levels are also low, this can lead to even more negative factors. But it's important not to get carried away as estradiol that's too low will bring with it numerous symptoms; in fact, your life could be miserable in that regard.   Many men who are at least somewhat familiar with testosterone have been wrongly been told that too much testosterone can lead to gynecomastia due to elevated levels of estrogen in the body due to the aromatization of testosterone to estrogen. But low levels of testosterone in the body with present high levels of SHBG and estradiol can have the effect of causing gynecomastia. In order to combat high levels of estradiol, avoiding certain foods, especially those that are soy-based, will be important. Equally important is living a healthy lifestyle and incorporating what was mentioned above: adequate exercise, a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. These things will help lower estradiol. Some men will also need medical help through medications known as aromatase inhibitors if they have gynecomastia, although most men on TRT do not need an AI. Too many men have relied on aromatase inhibitors out of fear for too many years. In reality, most men who supplement with exogenous testosterone can, in fact, control estrogen via non-medicated factors.   Some studies have shown that supplementation with DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) may also lower SHBG. However, more study is needed to understand this properly, as too much DHEA can prove problematic. High doses of DHEA supplements have been associated with increased estradiol, so you must speak to your doctor first before beginning such a supplementation regimen.   Very Low SHBG :   We are then left with one factor we've yet to discuss much because it isn't all that common: low SHBG, or rather, levels of SHBG that are too low. Levels of SHBG that are too low may be an indicator of other underlying health issues. This may be an indicator of a metabolic problem. Low levels of SHBG are a standard indicator of those with diabetes. It doesn't appear, as data suggests, that insulin resistance is caused by low SHBG, but it may be a useful marker. More data is currently needed on this topic.   An A1c test will be needed to know with certainty in terms of your diabetic health.   While low SHBG is not a common concern for most men, new data has produced interesting results and information. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism provides such information.   The process showed a man with undetectable levels of SHBG and low levels of testosterone accompanied by nearly a decade of hypogonadism symptoms. They discovered a family with a missense mutation in the SHBG gene from studying this individual. Interestingly enough, they found this issue did not interfere with the individual's spermatogenesis or general gonadal development. This leads the study to conclude SHBG may not play a significant role in the maturation of the male species physiologically or sexually.   More interesting than the JCEM study is things that new data suggest may negatively impact all men. Low levels of SHBG have recently been associated with three medical conditions that are known to be the silent killers of many men: heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Again, currently, it is being viewed as a marker and not as direct causation, but this new information is important as it acknowledges that more studies must be done.   Low SHBG has also been associated with:   Obesity Obesity is a factor we all well understand and is an issue that leads to problems in many health areas, and often in numerous possible directions. Cushing Disease It is associated with extended exposure to high levels of cortisol. Hypothyroidism It is associated with an under-active thyroid. Excessive levels of growth hormone Exceedingly rare for most, although possible via genetic factors or abuse of exogenous forms. Abuse through anabolic steroids     Is SHBG an Enemy of Hormone? - Emerging Studies   As we mentioned, androgens like testosterone and DHEA and estrogens are transported to the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG is believed to keep sex hormones inactive and to control the amount of free hormones that enter cells by passive diffusion. Contrary to the free hormone hypothesis, some researchers have demonstrated that megalin, a receptor in ovaries and testicles, acts as a pathway for cellular uptake of biologically active androgens and estrogens bound to SHBG. We will see more data on this newly found receptor that actually enables the body to use hormones bound to SHBG in the near future.   In endocrinology, the body has no “harmful” or “good” hormone. Their balance and harmony with each other matters for the best health.     References:   Ding et al. Sex hormone-binding globulin and risk of type 2 diabetes in women and men. The New England Journal of Medicine. Aug 2009. Vos et al. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Deficiency Due to a Homozygous Missense Mutation. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Sept 2014 SHBG and Free Testosterone - Everything You Need to Know Hammes et al. Role of Endocytosis in Cellular Uptake of Sex Steroids. Cell. Sept 2005