After The Test & Treatment Options
After the Test
Once your specimen is submitted, results are typically processed and available within a few business days. However, processing times may vary. When ready, your results will be delivered in a clear, easy-to-understand report. If any results suggest a potential infection, you’ll receive a call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are also available to answer any questions or discuss your results in detail.
Treatment Options
As part of your purchase, you have the opportunity to consult with an independent physician. If appropriate, they may be able to prescribe treatment based on your test results.
Age: 18+
Must be 18+ to order blood tests.
Collection Method
In person at a location
Test Details & What It Measures
An SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin) test measures the level of SHBG in your blood, which is a protein that binds to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, making them inactive and unavailable for use by the body’s cells. SHBG plays a critical role in regulating the amount of active testosterone and estrogen in the bloodstream. When testosterone or estrogen is bound to SHBG, it is essentially “locked away” and cannot interact with cells, while the free (unbound) form of these hormones is the one that exerts biological effects on the body. Measuring SHBG levels can help evaluate hormone imbalances, especially when symptoms like low libido, fatigue, or irregular menstrual cycles are present.
SHBG levels can be affected by various factors, including age, sex, body weight, and certain health conditions. In men, higher SHBG levels may be associated with low testosterone levels, while lower SHBG levels may indicate high testosterone or conditions like obesity or insulin resistance. For women, elevated SHBG levels may be linked to conditions like hyperthyroidism or pregnancy, while lower levels could be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or diabetes.
Normal SHBG levels for men typically range from 10 to 57 nmol/L, and for women, the normal range is typically between 18 to 144 nmol/L, though these ranges can vary slightly depending on the laboratory.
Citations
Wang, C., & Nieschlag, E. (2002). The role of sex hormone-binding globulin in the regulation of bioavailable testosterone. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 87(6), 2769–2774. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.87.6.8586
