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. Also: Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin

	Andropause/Male Menopause The Condition "...Diagnosis & Tests The diagnosis is simple - measuring either free testosterone blood levels or computing the Free Androgen Index (FAI) which is [total testosterone x 100 / sex hormone binding globulin]..." Erectile Dysfunction (ED, Impotence) Recommendation Test for Hormones "...When considering lab testing, a full panel of tests should be considered such as DHEA, testosterone (total and free), DHT, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (best taken at 9am to avoid diurnal variations), progesterone and a PSA test for..." Estrogens Low Our Question about green tea consumption "High intake of green tea has been associated with higher levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and lowered levels of serum estradiol (estrogen) concentration in women..." High Sex Hormone Binding Globulin The Condition "SHBG typically circulates at higher concentrations in women than in men, due to the higher ratio of estrogens to androgens in women..." Relationship to 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..." Low Sex Hormone Binding Globulin The Condition "Decreased SHBG levels are often seen in cases of hirsutism, acne vulgaris and the polycystic ovary syndrome..." Recommendation Weight Loss "Obesity tends to decrease levels of sex hormone binding globulin..." Recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition "It has been observed that a vegetarian diet is associated with high plasma levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, reducing clearance of sex hormones and probably risk of breast and prostate cancer..." Male Hair Loss Recommendation Radix Urticae "It is possible that radix urticae influences the activity of sex hormone binding globulin and its binding to testosterone [Blutplasmas 1983]..." Recommendation Green Tea "...High intake of green tea has been associated with higher levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and lowered levels of serum estradiol (estrogen) concentration in women..." Menopausal Issues Relationship to Syndrome X "...This subtle change can trigger a drop in levels of sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG), the substance that attaches to sex hormones in the bloodstream and makes them inert..." Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) The Condition "...Oral contraceptives are simple and relatively safe method of ovarian suppression, in addition the estrogen component increases the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) with a resultant decrease in free testosterone..." Recommendation Weight Loss "...Obesity is an important feature with regard to hirsutism because it is associated with decreased sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)..." Problems Caused By Being Overweight Relationship to Low Sex Hormone Binding Globulin "Obesity tends to increase the levels of sex hormone (estrogen, testosterone) activity, and decrease levels of sex hormone binding globulin..." Test for Hormones As A Treatment "Hormone testing for sex hormones such as estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, LH, FSH, prolactin and binding globulins (SHBG) is an important step in determining hormone abnormalities that may be causing or contributing to symptoms..." Testosterone Levels, Test As A Treatment "...This protein is called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)..."

Last updated: May 10, 2007