SHBG in Serum

Sex hormone binding globulin is produced by the liver and binds to sex hormones (testosterone, DHT, estradiol), regulating their bioavailability to tissues.
Also known as:
Sex hormone-binding globulin
S-SHBG
.

SHBG ranges for

Interpret your result
"Normal" lab range for SHBG is between 16.5 and 55.9 nmol/L for males:
16.5
55.9
According to Peter Attia, SHBG should be below 60 nmol/L for males:
60
According to OptimalDX, SHBG should be between 40 and 46 nmol/L for males:
40
46
Optimal range
Optimal range for SHBG appears to be between 25 and 46 nmol/L for males:
0
17
25
46
56
120
Why this optimal range?
Preliminary range is based on functional health organizations including but not limited to those listed above.

Low SHBG

Common reasons for low SHBG:

  • Low SHBG is commonly associated with insulin resistance, obesity and smoking.

    It is also seen with hypothyroidism, PCOS (in women), Cushing syndrome, and androgen exposure such as anabolic steroids or other exogenous androgens.

    ,,

High SHBG

Common reasons for high SHBG:

  • High SHBG is associated with aging, hyperthyroidism, liver disease (especially cirrhosis), eating disorders or malnutrition, and estrogen-containing medications.

    Higher SHBG lowers the free fraction of testosterone, so some patients may have hypogonadal symptoms despite a normal total testosterone level.

    ,,

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Zsolt Szabo
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