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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Hormones

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) regulates free hormone availability in the body. For athletes, understanding SHBG may provide insight into how effectively testosterone supports muscle recovery, energy, and performance adaptation.

Reference Ranges

Male
nmol/l
Low 18.3 Normal 54.1 High
Female
nmol/l
Low 32.4 Normal 128 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

What It Measures

This test measures the level of SHBG in your blood, reported in nmol/l. SHBG binds to sex hormones and influences how much testosterone and estrogen is freely available for your body to use. Higher SHBG means less free hormone.

Why It Matters

For active individuals, SHBG determines how much free testosterone is available for muscle repair and recovery. Training intensity and body composition may influence SHBG levels. Monitoring could help optimize your hormonal profile for performance.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended when experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance despite normal total hormone levels. Some healthcare providers may suggest SHBG testing alongside testosterone and estrogen tests for a more comprehensive hormonal assessment.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Some people with low SHBG levels may experience acne, oily skin, or hair thinning. In women, low SHBG could potentially be associated with symptoms of excess androgens. In men, it might contribute to hormonal imbalance symptoms.

High Levels

Some people with elevated SHBG levels may experience fatigue, reduced libido, or mood changes, as more hormones are bound and less are freely available. High SHBG could potentially mask adequate total hormone production.

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low SHBG may indicate metabolic syndrome, obesity, or insulin resistance. Focus on weight loss, exercise, and metabolic health optimization.

If High

High SHBG may cause symptoms despite normal testosterone. Consider hyperthyroidism evaluation and consultation with an endocrinologist.

Female

If Low

Low SHBG may indicate PCOS, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome. Consider weight management, low-glycemic diet, and PCOS evaluation.

If High

High SHBG may reduce free hormone availability. Consider thyroid evaluation and nutritional assessment.

Lifestyle Tips

Maintaining a healthy body weight, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition may support healthy SHBG levels. Excessive alcohol consumption and certain medications could influence SHBG. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before making changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SHBG and free testosterone?
SHBG is a transport protein that binds to testosterone, making it inactive. Free testosterone is the unbound portion that your body can actively use. When SHBG is high, less free testosterone is available, even if total testosterone levels appear normal.
Can weight affect SHBG levels?
Body weight may influence SHBG levels. Higher body weight, particularly excess abdominal fat, is often associated with lower SHBG levels. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise could help support optimal SHBG levels.
Why are SHBG reference ranges different for men and women?
Women typically have higher SHBG levels than men due to the influence of estrogen, which stimulates SHBG production. Men generally have lower SHBG because testosterone tends to suppress its production. Your healthcare provider will use sex-specific ranges.

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Complete Health

360 Health

Broad health panel: hormones, thyroid, vitamins, lipids, liver, kidney, and blood count.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Triglycerides Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Free T4 (Thyroxine) LDL Cholesterol Liver Function Test (LFT) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Vitamin B12 Vitamin D (25-OH) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Ferritin HDL Cholesterol Albumin Complete Blood Count (CBC)
€346,-
Hormones & TRT

TRT Monitoring

Monitoring panel for testosterone replacement therapy: hormones, liver, lipids, PSA, and blood count.

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Prolactin ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) Triglycerides ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) LDL Cholesterol SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone HDL Cholesterol Albumin Complete Blood Count (CBC)
€250,-