Does not require fasting
Measurement in the laboratory
Includes 21 test results
99,00 €
SHBG – Sex hormone binding globulin
SHBG has a strong effect on the concentration of sex hormones in the blood.
Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
- Sex hormones estrogen and testosterone travel in the blood via SHBG to which they are bound.
- Production of SHBG decreases with age.
- SHBG is measured when investigated hormone-related diseases.
Table of contents
SHBG has a strong effect on the concentration of sex hormones in the blood.
Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
Sex hormone binding globulin is produced in the liver. Its production is regulated by sex and thyroid hormones, insulin, and diet.
Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) binds sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, in the bloodstream. It has a strong effect on the concentration of sex hormones in the blood. Its production is influenced by hormone activity and metabolism.
Sex hormones affect sexual function. In addition, they have an effect on mood and energy levels. These hormones also determine the development of male and female characteristics, the so-called secondary sexual characteristics.
Why SHBG level is measured?
SHBG level can be determined through blood test, which is called S-SHBG.
You can order the SHBG test via Puhti without a doctor’s referral.
- In men, the test helps examine the causes of decreased libido, infertility, and erectile dysfunction.
- In women, the test helps examine the causes of infertility, acne, hirsutism, or excess body hair, and irregular menstruation.
The interpretation of the SHBG result is not simple and is influenced by various factors. We always recommend contacting a doctor if you suspect a disease or condition that requires an SHBG test.
Results will not be reliable for women using hormonal contraceptives (such as birth control pills, mini-pills, or a hormonal implant). When using a hormonal contraceptive, the results do not reflect the normal hormonal activity of the body. We recommend carrying out the test no earlier than 4 weeks after stopping the use of contraceptives.
Reference values for SHBG
In men, 60% of the total amount of testosterone and 20% of estradiol is bound to SHBG. For women, the corresponding figures are 80% and 37%.
In the bloodstream, only 1-3% of steroid hormones are biologically active.
Biologically active refers to compounds that affect human tissues or organs, either beneficially or harmfully.
The concentration of SHBG significantly influences the level of free testosterone. The lower the SHBG concentration, the higher the amount of free steroid hormone.
Reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method. Puhti samples are taken and analysed at the laboratories of Mehiläinen.
Women
| Women 20-50 years old | 32-128 nmol/L |
| Women over 50 years old | 27-128 nmol/L |
Men
| Men 20-50 years old | 18-54 nmol/L |
| Men over 50 years old | 21-77 nmol/L |
The symbol nmol/L stands for nanomole per litre.
Which factors increase SHBG levels?
Most common factors that increase SHBG include:
- Pregnancy increases SHBG levels to several times the normal level.
- Estrogens. Many contraceptives contain oestrogen and their use increases SHBG.
- Hyperthyroidism drastically increases SHBG levels. However, SHBG levels return to normal when treatment for hyperthyroidism is started.
- Age. In men, SHBG levels increase with age.
- Hypogonadism, or testosterone deficiency in men.
- Fasting or intense weight loss.
Which factors decrease SHBG levels?
Most common factors that decrease SHBG levels include:
- Hyperandrogenism, an excess of the male hormone in women. This is usually the result of hyperadrenocorticism.
- Hypothyroidism decreases SHBG levels. However, SHBG levels return to normal when treatment for hypothyroidism is started.
- Excess weight
- Diabetes
How can I get my free SHBG tested?
You can order the SHBG or S-Testo-VL (includes tests for total testosterone (S-Testo), free testosterone (S-Testo-VL) and SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin)) as a single test from Puhti’s online store. Add the desired products to the shopping cart and complete all the tests at once.
Check out the Extensive Puhti laboratory package (men), which includes tests for total testosterone (S-Testo), free testosterone (S-Testo-VL) and SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin).
Extensive Puhti laboratory package is a great choice when you want to gain more thorough information about the well-being of your body. The laboratory package will help you check how your body is doing and make better choices for your health. More than 30 tests are included, including cholesterol, blood glucose, vitamins D and B12, and ferritin.
Tests can be taken at Mehiläinen laboratories in more than 75 locations across Finland.
Through Puhti, you can also easily book a remote appointment with a doctor as a separate service, during which you can go through all the results.
- Does not require fastingSampling between 6-10 a.m.Includes 25 test results169,00 €
