Description

A sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) blood test measures the level of SHBG in your blood. This test is used to assess how testosterone is working in your body. 

Purpose

Men

  • To identify testosterone deficiency and investigate the cause of erectile dysfunction, infertility, or decreased sex drive 

Women

  • To investigate the production of testosterone and symptoms caused by too much testosterone, such as acne, hirsutism, infertility, or amenorrhea 

What SHBG does 

  • SHBG is a protein made by the liver that binds to testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
  • SHBG carries these hormones throughout the blood
  • SHBG controls the amount of testosterone that body tissues can use

Factors that can affect SHBG levels age, sex, obesity, liver disease, and hyperthyroidism. 

Other conditions that may be associated with SHBG levels 

  • Insulin resistance
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Breast, endometrial, and prostate cancer

Fasting not required.