Low Sex Hormone
Low Sex Hormone Binding Globulin: Overview
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by the liver which binds to three sex hormones found in both men and women: estrogen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and testosterone. SHBG carries these three hormones through the blood to where they are needed.
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Decreased SHBG levels are often seen in cases of hirsutism, acne vulgaris and the polycystic ovary syndrome. SHBG levels may be modestly reduced in hypothyroidism, acromegaly, Cushing's disease and hyperprolactinemia.
Diagnosis and Tests
Although SHBG binds with three hormones, the critical one for testing purposes is testosterone.
Treatment and Prevention
The use of dexamethasone in the treatment of women with hyperandrogenic hirsutism typically leads to an increase in SHBG concentrations.
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Low Sex Hormone Binding Globulin:Risk factors for Low Sex Hormone Binding Globulin:
Female-Specific
Glandular
Lab Values - Hormones
Counter-indicators
Metabolic
Problems Caused By Being Overweight
Obesity tends to increase the levels of sex hormone (estrogen, testosterone) activity, and decrease levels of sex hormone binding globulin.
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Recommendations for Low Sex Hormone Binding Globulin:
Diet
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.
Hormone
Not recommended
DIM / I3C
Aromatase inhibitors such as DIM, I3C, and Chrysin should be avoided, as they will enhance any preexisting androgen/estrogen dominance.
Laboratory Testing
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Strong or generally accepted link:
often increases risk of
Definite or direct link:
increases risk of
Definitely or absolutely counter-indicates:
decreases risk of
May be useful:
may help with
Moderately useful:
often helps with
Very useful:
is highly recommended for
Often counterindicated:
is often not recommended for
Last updated: Oct 24, 2023