Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin

This test is used to measure the level of (sex hormone binding globulin) SHBG in the blood, which can be used to interpret low levels of testosterone in men and high levels of testosterone in women.

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein that is produced by the liver and is needed to bind to the sex hormones testosterone and estradiol (an estrogen). When bound to SHBG, these are transported around the body in a biologically inactive form. This test is used to measure the level of SHBG in the blood which can be used to interpret low levels of testosterone in men and high levels of testosterone in women. This test is usually performed in conjunction with a total testosterone test.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Delayed or early puberty in boys
• Erectile dysfunction in men
• Decreased sex drive in men and women
• Hypothalamus or pituitary disorders
• Infertility in men and women
• Testicular tumors in men
• Hirsutism and virilization in girls and women

Also Known As: SHBG, TeBG, Testosterone-Binding Globulin