Sex hormones
Sex hormone-binding globulinSHBG
Carrier protein modulating bioavailability of testosterone and estradiol.
Sample
Serum
Clinical reference range
16 to 55 nmol/L
Adult male
Conv: 16–55 nmol/L
Biology
What it measures
Hepatic glycoprotein. Synthesis raised by estrogens and thyroid hormone, lowered by insulin and androgens.
Clinical use
Why we order it
Interpret total sex steroid measurements; insulin-resistance and PCOS work-up.
Differential
Causes of abnormal values
Causes of HIGH
- ↑Hyperthyroidism
- ↑Estrogens / pregnancy
- ↑Hepatitis
- ↑Anorexia
Causes of LOW
- ↓Insulin resistance / type 2 diabetes
- ↓PCOS
- ↓Hypothyroidism
- ↓Obesity
- ↓Anabolic steroids
Related