What is Sex Hormone Binding Globulin?

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin or “SHBG” is a protein made in your liver. It binds itself tightly to sex hormones found in both men and women. The 3 hormones it binds to are estrogen; dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone. SHBG binds itself to these hormones and carries them throughout your blood.

Although SHBG binds itself to 3 different hormones, the hormone of most importance is testosterone. Once bound, SHBG has control over how much testosterone your body is free to use. Depending on the level of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, a patient with a seemingly normal Total Testosterone level may qualify for testosterone replacement therapy.

At Body Concepts and Wellness, we test your SHBG level and factor it to calculate your free and usable Testosterone. Not only is this formula used to determine eligibility for treatment, but also to help determine proper dosing.

Many factors can affect the level of SHBG in your blood including your age and sex. It can also change because of obesity, liver disease, and hyperthyroidism.

Free Testosterone

Testosterone not bound to Sex Hormone Binding Globulin is called “Free Testosterone”. Your free testosterone is what alleviates symptoms and provides health and wellness benefits.
Traditional medicine does not factor SHBG when considering a patient for testosterone treatment. Ordinarily the total testosterone level is checked and if it falls within the standard “normal range” treatment will not be initiated even if symptoms are present.

Testosterone bound to SHBG

The amount of Testosterone bound to SHGB is important because bound testosterone is not usable by your body. For this reason, we at Body Concepts always test the SHBG level when considering a patient for hormone replacement therapy. By checking the SHBG level to calculate free and usable testosterone. Your Free Testosterone level is important not only to determine eligibility for treatment but the amount of replacement necessary to restore your Testosterone to an optimal level as well.

Causes of elevated Sex Hormone Binding Globulin in Women

• Estradiol levels higher than normal
• Smoking
• Any estrogen use such as plant estrogens (phytoestrogens)
• Increased conversion of testosterone to estrogen
• Certain medications
• Fibrocystic disease of the breasts
• Any compromise of liver detoxification such as alcohol abuse, certain meds, heavy metals etc. can decrease liver capacity to excrete excess estrogens from the body.
• Stress with elevated cortisol

Causes of elevated Sex Hormone Binding Globulin in men

• Elevated estradiol levels from conversion of testosterone
• Aging
• Some medications
• Cigarette smoking
• Liver issues related to as alcohol abuse, certain meds, heavy metals etc. can decrease liver capacity to excrete excess estrogens from the body.
• Testicular cancer

Click Here to read about Sex Hormone Binding Globulin in more detail. 

Have you had your Sex Hormone Binding Globulin tested? Call Body Concepts and Wellness for testing to  determine if your SBHG level is affecting your health and quality of life. Click Here to Contact Us!