Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a transport and storage protein of sex hormones. This is primarily testosterone, the male sex hormone. Furthermore, it also binds all 17-β-hydroxylating steroids (e.g. estrogens). SHBG is synthesized in the liver. It increases with age, during pregnancy, and after menopause.
The process
Material needed
- Blood serum
Preparation of the patient
- No preparation necessary
Disruptive factors
- None known
Standard values
| Gender | Normal values in nmol/l |
| Women <50 years | 24,6 -122 |
| Women ≥ 50 years | 17,3 – 125 |
| Men < 50 years | 16,5 – 55,9 |
| Men ≥ 50 years | 19,3 – 76,4 |
Indications
- Shift in the ratio of total testosterone to free testosterone.
- Suspicion of androgen deficiency
- Control examination for testosterone administration
Interpretation
WomenInterpretation of elevated values
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).
- Liver dysfunction such as cirrhosis – connective tissue remodeling of the liver with functional impairment.
- Drug therapy with:
- Anticonvulsants (medications for epileptic seizures) such as carbamazepinoor
- Estrogens
- Ovarian tumors (ovarian tumors).
- Gravidity (pregnancy)
- Virilism (masculinization), hormonal-related.
Interpretation of lowered values
- Obesity (obesity)
- Hyperandrogenism – excessive levels of male sex hormones in the blood.
- Hyperprolactinemia – increased level of prolactin in the blood.
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
- Drug therapy with cortisone or other glucocorticoids; ketoconazole.
- Cushing’s disease – disease caused by an excess of cortisol.
- PCO syndrome (polycystic ovary syndrome) – disease that leads to hormonal disorders due to excessive formation of cysts on the ovaries (ovaries).
Men
Interpretation of elevated values
- Gynecomastia – enlargement of the male mammary gland.
- Hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism)
- Hypogonadism – underactivity of the male gonads.
- Testicular tumors
- Liver dysfunction such as cirrhosis – connective tissue remodeling of the liver with functional impairment.
- Drug therapy with anticonvulsants – drugs against epileptic seizures such as carbamazepine.
Interpretation of decreased values
- Obesity (obesity)
- Hyperandrogenism – excessive levels of male sex hormones in the blood.
- Hyperprolactinemia – increased level of prolactin in the blood.
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
- Drug therapy with cortisone or other glucocorticoids; ketoconazole.
- Cushing’s disease – disease caused by an excess of cortisol.
Other notes
- Determination of SHBG is not a first-line diagnostic method; specific hormone concentrations should usually be determined directly.
