Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular exercise
- Weight management
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
Blutwerte · Marker
SHBG
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin · Sexualhormon-bindendes Globulin
Hormone — ReproduktionsachseZeitabhängig
- Einheit:
- nmol/L
SHBG quantifies the concentration of sex hormone-binding globulin in the blood, which regulates the bioavailability of sex steroids.
Reference Ranges
Reference
10–57nmol/L
10
20
40
57
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · nmol/LRanges vary by sex and age; fasting and time of day can influence levels.
Overview
Übersicht
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein produced primarily by the liver, which binds sex steroids such as testosterone and estradiol with high affinity and specificity. It plays a crucial role in regulating the bioavailability of these hormones by controlling their access to tissues. Clinically, SHBG levels are significant as they are inversely correlated with conditions such as insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Low SHBG levels can lead to increased free androgens, contributing to the pathogenesis of PCOS and potentially type 2 diabetes. In men, SHBG is part of the diagnostic workup for gynecomastia, as it helps assess the balance between androgens and estrogens. For athletes and biohackers, SHBG is relevant as it influences the levels of free testosterone, which can affect muscle mass, recovery, and overall performance. However, interventions aimed at altering SHBG should be approached with caution, as its levels can be influenced by various factors such as age, sex, liver function, and metabolic health. Time-of-day variations and fasting status can also affect SHBG measurements, necessitating standardized testing conditions for accurate assessment.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated SHBG levels may indicate hyperthyroidism or liver disease, while reduced levels are associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and PCOS. Low SHBG can increase free testosterone, impacting conditions like hirsutism and gynecomastia.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising SHBG levels may suggest hyperthyroidism or liver dysfunction; retest in 4-6 weeks if clinically indicated.
Falling Values
Progressively falling SHBG levels may indicate worsening insulin resistance or obesity.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Hyperthyroidism
- Liver disease
- Anorexia nervosa
- Estrogen therapy
- Genetic factors
Cause
Low Levels
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Hypothyroidism
- Androgen use
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Balanced diet rich in fiber
- Reduced intake of refined sugars
Lever
Supplementation
- Vitamin D
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Note:
Consult with a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle changes.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive
SHBG levels can vary throughout the day; morning measurements are preferred.
Testing Frequency
Annually for routine check-ups; more frequently if monitoring specific conditions.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Hormonal medications
- Liver function
Related Peptides & Hormones
Testosterone
hormoneCorrelated with
Estradiol
hormoneCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that reference ranges for SHBG levels may vary significantly across populations and conditions, and optimal targets for therapeutic interventions remain unclear. Researchers have not yet established the impact of confounding factors such as obesity and metabolic syndrome on SHBG levels. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the efficacy of SHBG-raising therapies in diverse populations and their long-term effects on conditions like type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome.
19 Research Publications
1,831
Total Citations
5
Human/RCT
5.2
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Estrogen: a master regulator of bioenergetic systems in the brain and body.
ReviewInfluence15.0
477
This review discussed estrogen's regulatory role in metabolic systems and its effects on brain bioenergetics. Researchers found that estrogen loss during menopause is linked to metabolic decline and could help in creating biomarker profiles to assess risks for cognitive decline.
02Top
#02
The endocrine system and ageing.
ReviewInfluence10.0
303
This study discussed the endocrine changes associated with aging. Researchers found that SHBG levels increase with age, alongside declines in estrogen and testosterone. The study highlights the clinical implications of these hormonal changes, including increased risk for various health issues.
03Top
#03
Sex hormone binding globulin: origin, function and clinical significance.
ReviewInfluence6.0
271
This review detailed the origin, function, and clinical significance of SHBG. Researchers noted that SHBG levels can be influenced by various diseases and hormonal balances, making it a useful biomarker in evaluating androgen metabolism disorders.
04
#04
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) as an Early Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Qu Xianqin & Donnelly Richard · International journal of molecular sciences · 2020
ReviewInfluence1.0
158
This review examined the role of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its relationship with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Researchers found that lower SHBG levels may contribute to the progression of PCOS and could serve as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for managing the condition.
Key findings
- 01Researchers observed a negative correlation between SHBG levels and markers of liver disease and insulin resistance.
- 02Low SHBG levels may lead to higher androgen levels, contributing to the symptoms of PCOS.
- 03Emerging evidence indicates that SHBG could be a useful biomarker for diagnosing and managing PCOS.
05
#05
Sex hormone-binding globulin and polycystic ovary syndrome.
ReviewInfluence4.0
136
This review examined the relationship between SHBG and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Researchers found that low SHBG levels are indicative of hyperandrogenism and metabolic abnormalities in women with PCOS.
06
#06
EAA clinical practice guidelines-gynecomastia evaluation and management.
GuidelineInfluence8.0
129
This study provided clinical practice guidelines for evaluating and managing gynecomastia in men. Researchers observed that SHBG levels, along with other hormones, should be included in laboratory evaluations to identify underlying causes of gynecomastia.
07
#07
Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines.
HumanInfluence2.0
117
This study investigated the effects of boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and inflammatory biomarkers. Researchers observed a significant decrease in SHBG levels after supplementation, alongside changes in testosterone and estradiol levels.
08
#08
Endocrinology of gynaecomastia.
ReviewInfluence4.0
81
This review focused on gynecomastia, a common male breast disorder, and the importance of laboratory investigations. Researchers highlighted the role of SHBG and other hormones in diagnosing underlying causes of gynecomastia.
09
#09
Sex hormone-binding globulin: biomarker and hepatokine?
Simons Pomme I H G, et al. · Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM · 2021
Human
60
This study explored the regulation and function of SHBG, linking it to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that increasing SHBG levels could potentially prevent or treat these metabolic disorders.
Key findings
- 01Researchers observed that genetic factors influencing SHBG levels are associated with metabolic syndrome.
- 02They identified a direct link between low SHBG levels and the development of type 2 diabetes in women.
- 03The study suggests that therapies aimed at raising SHBG could help address disorders like type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome.
10
#10
Sex hormone binding globulin as a potential drug candidate for liver-related metabolic disorders treatment.
Bourebaba Nabila, et al. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie · 2022
ReviewInfluence1.0
57
This review examined the potential of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) as a drug candidate for liver-related metabolic disorders. Researchers found that SHBG is a reliable marker of insulin resistance and may play a role in the management of metabolic dysfunctions like obesity and diabetes.
Key findings
- 01Researchers observed that SHBG levels are linked to insulin resistance and may predict the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- 02Increased inflammation in the body is associated with lower levels of SHBG.
- 03The review suggests that SHBG could be a promising candidate for developing new therapies for metabolic disorders such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Publication Trend
Research publications about SHBG over time
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