High Sex Hormone
Binding Globulin

High Sex Hormone Binding Globulin: Overview

SHBG typically circulates at higher concentrations in women than in men, due to the higher ratio of estrogens to androgens in women.  For the same reason, SHBG levels in late pregnancy or after estrogen administration may be especially elevated. Elevated SHBG may be encountered in hyperthyroidism and hepatic cirrhosis.  High levels are also found in a variety of other conditions, such pregnancy.

Treatment and Prevention

Administration of androgens tends to associated with decreased SHBG levels.

High Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

Information On This Page
Conditions that suggest it Contributing risk factors What else it can lead to Recommendations

Conditions that suggest High Sex Hormone Binding Globulin:

Hormones

Progesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance often suggests High Sex Hormone Binding GlobulinProgesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance

Risk factors for High Sex Hormone Binding Globulin:

Hormones

Hyperthyroidism often increases risk of High Sex Hormone Binding GlobulinHyperthyroidism

Organ Health

Cirrhosis of the Liver often increases risk of High Sex Hormone Binding GlobulinCirrhosis of the Liver

Reproductive

Fibrocystic Breast Disease often increases risk of High Sex Hormone Binding GlobulinFibrocystic Breast Disease

Supplements and Medications

Natural estrogen use may increase risk of High Sex Hormone Binding GlobulinNatural estrogen use

High Sex Hormone Binding Globulin can lead to:

Tumors, Malignant

Counter-indicators:
High Sex Hormone Binding Globulin may actually DECREASE risk of Breast CancerBreast 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]

Recommendations for High Sex Hormone Binding Globulin:

Lab Tests/Rule-Outs

Test Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is highly recommended for High Sex Hormone Binding GlobulinTest Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

KEY

Weak or unproven link: may increase risk of
Weak or unproven link:
may increase risk of
Strong or generally accepted link: often suggests; often increases risk of
Strong or generally accepted link:
often suggests; often increases risk of
Weakly counter-indicative: may actually DECREASE risk of
Weakly counter-indicative:
may actually DECREASE risk of
Very useful: is highly recommended for
Very useful:
is highly recommended for
Last updated: Apr 25, 2013