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Lifestyle
- Regular exercise
- Weight management
- Stress reduction
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
60
57
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · nmol/LReference ranges may vary by age and sex; typically higher in females.
Overview
Übersicht
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein synthesized by the liver, which binds to sex steroids such as testosterone and estradiol with high affinity. It plays a crucial role in regulating the bioavailability of these hormones by controlling the fraction that is free and biologically active. Clinically, SHBG levels are important as they are inversely related to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance. Low SHBG levels are associated with increased androgen bioavailability, contributing to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gynecomastia. In athletes and biohackers, SHBG is of interest as it affects the balance of free and bound testosterone, influencing muscle mass, energy levels, and overall performance. However, SHBG levels can be influenced by various factors, including age, sex, and metabolic conditions. Time-of-day and fasting status may also affect SHBG measurements, necessitating standardized testing conditions for accurate assessment.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated SHBG levels may indicate hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or estrogen therapy, while reduced levels can suggest insulin resistance, obesity, or androgen excess conditions like PCOS.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising SHBG levels may suggest hyperthyroidism or liver dysfunction. Re-test in 4-6 weeks if levels are outside the optimal range.
Falling Values
Falling SHBG levels could indicate increasing insulin resistance or androgen excess.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Hyperthyroidism
- Liver disease
- Estrogen therapy
- Anorexia nervosa
- Genetic factors
Cause
Low Levels
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- Androgen excess
- Hypothyroidism
- Type 2 diabetes
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Balanced diet with adequate protein
- Low glycemic index foods
Lever
Supplementation
- Boron
- Vitamin D
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive
SHBG levels can vary throughout the day; morning samples are preferred for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for routine health checks, more frequently if managing specific conditions.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Hormonal medications
- Liver function status
Related Peptides & Hormones
Testosterone
hormoneCorrelated with
Estradiol
hormoneCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that reference ranges for SHBG may vary significantly across populations, and optimal targets for SHBG levels in conditions like PCOS and gynecomastia remain debated. Researchers have not yet established the specific confounders affecting SHBG levels, such as age, body composition, and hormonal treatments. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the precise role of SHBG in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders and its potential as a therapeutic target in various endocrine conditions.
20 Research Publications
1,873
Total Citations
4
Human/RCT
5.3
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Estrogen: a master regulator of bioenergetic systems in the brain and body.
ReviewInfluence15.0
488
This study explored the regulatory role of estrogen in metabolic functions. Researchers observed that estrogen influences glucose transport and mitochondrial function, and its decline during menopause is linked to metabolic issues. The findings suggest that biomarker profiles could help identify women at risk for cognitive decline due to estrogen loss.
02Top
#02
The endocrine system and ageing.
ReviewInfluence10.0
303
This article discussed changes in the endocrine system due to aging, including increased SHBG levels. Researchers observed that these hormonal changes can lead to various health issues, emphasizing the complexity of aging's impact on hormone regulation.
03Top
#03
Sex hormone binding globulin: origin, function and clinical significance.
ReviewInfluence6.0
273
This review detailed the origin and clinical significance of SHBG. Researchers found that SHBG levels are influenced by various factors, including hormonal balance and certain diseases. The study emphasizes the utility of SHBG measurement in diagnosing 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
ReviewInfluence2.0
171
This review examined the role of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Researchers found that lower SHBG levels are associated with insulin resistance and ovarian pathology in women with PCOS. The study suggests that SHBG may serve as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for managing PCOS.
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
141
This review focused on the relationship between SHBG and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Researchers observed that low SHBG levels are indicative of hyperandrogenism and metabolic abnormalities in women with PCOS. The study highlights the importance of SHBG in understanding PCOS pathology and potential treatment strategies.
06
#06
EAA clinical practice guidelines-gynecomastia evaluation and management.
GuidelineInfluence8.0
130
This guideline focused on the evaluation and management of gynecomastia in men. Researchers found that SHBG levels, along with other hormonal evaluations, can help identify underlying causes of gynecomastia. The study emphasizes the importance of thorough medical history and physical examination in the assessment process.
07
#07
Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines.
HumanInfluence2.0
118
This study investigated the effects of boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones. Researchers found that boron supplementation significantly decreased SHBG levels and increased free testosterone after one week. The study suggests that boron may influence hormonal balance and inflammatory biomarkers.
08
#08
Endocrinology of gynaecomastia.
ReviewInfluence4.0
81
This review discussed the endocrinology of gynecomastia, a common male breast disorder. Researchers noted that SHBG levels are part of the hormonal evaluations that can help determine the underlying causes of gynecomastia. The study highlights the need for biochemical investigations to rule out serious conditions like breast cancer.
09
#09
Sex hormone-binding globulin: biomarker and hepatokine?
Simons Pomme I H G, et al. · Trends in endocrinology and metabolism: TEM · 2021
Review
63
This research reviewed the regulation and function of SHBG in relation to metabolic syndrome. Researchers found that genetic variants affecting SHBG levels are linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that raising SHBG levels could be a potential therapeutic approach for 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
59
This review discussed the potential of SHBG as a therapeutic target for liver-related metabolic disorders. Researchers found that SHBG levels are linked to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, indicating its role in managing conditions 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.
Clinical Trials (1)
1
Total Trials
250
Total Enrolled
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, Testosterone and Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
NCT03519529COMPLETED
Sponsor
Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University
Enrollment
250
Started
2015
Primary outcome
sex hormone-binding globulin
Type2 Diabetes
Publication Trend
Research publications about SHBG over time
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