Definition
What SHBG measures
Sex hormone-binding globulin is a liver-made protein that binds testosterone and estradiol tightly. Its level determines how much of each hormone circulates free versus bound.
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HormonesEssentialCompletenmol/L
SHBG
The protein that decides how much hormone is free
Illustrative sample band · Synthetic
38nmol/L
13Sample target 20–55 nmol/L59
Why it matters
How clinicians usually read it
It is the decoder for the hormone panel: the same total testosterone means different things at different SHBG levels, and SHBG itself reflects liver, thyroid, and insulin signals.
When it reads low
A lower value can mean
A lower SHBG often travels with insulin resistance and higher body fat, leaving relatively more free hormone. It is a metabolic clue as much as a hormone one.
When it reads high
A higher value can mean
A higher SHBG — with age, hyperthyroidism, low body weight, or some medications — binds more hormone, so totals can look fine while free levels run low.
Questions for a clinician
Bring the number into a real conversation
01
Does my SHBG explain the relationship between my total and free testosterone?
02
Could thyroid status or insulin resistance be moving my SHBG?
03
Should we track free or bioavailable hormone instead of totals?
Educational boundary
Educational information only. Displayed ranges are illustrative sample bands, not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for the contracted laboratory report and a qualified clinician.
See it as a sample result
The sample dashboard shows an illustrative reading, target band, and trend for SHBG.