Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein that binds to and regulates the levels of certain hormones in the blood, including testosterone and estrogen. A SHBG test measures the level of SHBG in the blood.

Pre-test preparation: No special preparation is typically required for a SHBG test.

Testing method: A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in the arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The sample is usually analyzed using a device called an immunoassay analyzer.

Common symptoms for prescribing this test: A SHBG test may be ordered if a person has symptoms of a condition that affects the level of SHBG in the blood, such as infertility, menstrual irregularities, or certain types of cancer. It can also be used to evaluate androgen excess or deficiency in both men and women.

Diagnosis: The results of a SHBG test are used to help diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions, including infertility, menstrual irregularities, and certain types of cancer. Elevated levels of SHBG can indicate the presence of a condition that affects the liver, such as cirrhosis, while low levels can indicate the presence of a condition that affects the thyroid or a high level of androgen such as testosterone in the blood.

Reference range: The reference range for SHBG levels varies depending on the lab and the population being tested, but generally, for men it is 20-50 nmol/L and for women it is 40-150 nmol/L.

Normal values: SHBG levels are normally between 20-50 nmol/L for men and 40-150 nmol/L for women.

Medical disclaimer: The above information is provided for general educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. It is important to note that test results should be always interpreted in the context of a patient’s clinical presentation and other test results, and treatment should be determined by a healthcare professional.