About Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein that binds to sex hormones, specifically testosterone and estradiol. It regulates the bioavailability of these hormones to tissues, impacting various physiological processes including reproductive function and metabolism.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
10.0 - 45.0 nmol/L
Women's Optimal Range
30.0 - 100.0 nmol/L
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate an overactive thyroid or liver dysfunction, potentially leading to imbalanced reproductive hormones.
Low
Low levels may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome or insulin resistance, contributing to infertility and metabolic issues.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, loss of libido, hot flashes, and increased muscle mass.
Low
Can include acne, increased body hair, irregular menstrual cycles, and infertility.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- Hammond, G. L. (2021). Plasma steroid-binding proteins: primary gatekeepers of steroid hormone action. *The Journal of Endocrinology*, 248(2), R1–R18.
- Selva, D. M., Hogeveen, K. N., Innis, S. M., & Hammond, G. L. (2020). Monosaccharide-induced lipogenesis regulates the human hepatic sex hormone-binding globulin gene. *The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism*, 95(5), 2335–2345.
- Kahn, S. M., Hryb, D. J., Nakhla, A. M., Romas, N. A., & Rosner, W. (2019). Sex hormone-binding globulin is synthesized in target cells. *The Journal of Endocrinology*, 241(3), 275–284.
- Simó, R., Sáez-López, C., Barbosa-Desongles, A., Hernández, C., & Selva, D. M. (2018). Novel insights in SHBG regulation and clinical implications. *Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism*, 29(6), 323–334.
- Fortunati, N., Catalano, M. G., Boccuzzi, G., & Frairia, R. (2017). Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol and breast cancer. *Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology*, 442, 21–29.