 Conditions that suggest High Sex Hormone Binding Globulin:
Risk factors for High Sex Hormone Binding Globulin:
High Sex Hormone Binding Globulin can lead to: | |  | | | Tumors, Malignant | Counter-indicators:
 Breast Cancer | It has been reported that women with high levels of sex hormone binding globulin - which reduces the activity of the sex hormones - were at decreased risk of breast cancer. The same study reported that women with the highest levels of estrogen and/or testosterone were twice as likely to develop breast cancer as those with the lowest levels. [Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 17th April 2002] |
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Recommendations and treatments for High Sex Hormone Binding Globulin:
KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Strong or generally accepted link | | | Weakly counter-indicative |  | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Cirrhosis (Liver Cirrhosis)
A long-term disease in which the liver becomes covered with fiber-like tissue. This causes the liver tissue to break down and become filled with fat. All functions of the liver then decrease, including the production of glucose, processing drugs and alcohol, and vitamin absorption. Stomach and bowel function, and the making of hormones are also affected.
Estrogen (Oestrogen)
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.
Hyperthyroidism (Hyperthyroid)
An abnormal condition of the thyroid gland resulting in excessive secretion of thyroid hormones characterized by an increased metabolism and weight loss.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin)
A glycoprotein, synthesized in the liver, which binds testosterone and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone strongly, and estradiol somewhat less strongly. Circulating testosterone is mainly bound to protein - primarily SHBG, but also to albumin and cortisol-binding globulin. Since variations in the carrier protein levels may affect the concentration of testosterone in circulation, SHBG levels are commonly measured as a supplement to total testosterone determinations. The "free androgen index" (FAI), calculated as the ratio of total testosterone to SHBG, has proved to be a useful indicator of abnormal androgen status in conditions such as hirsutism.
Testosterone
The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.
Last updated: Nov 14, 2009
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