SHBG is an acronym for Sex hormone-binding globulin. It is a protein synthesized mainly in the liver. It tends to bind with certain hormones i.e.
- Testosterone,
- Dihydrotestosterone
- Estradiol
SHBG is the hormone carrier that transports them throughout the bloodstream. Our body has a different mechanism for regulating hormonal levels. When hormones are in a bound form, the cell could not use them.
When your SHBG levels are low, your body has more availability of sex hormones as they are unbound and free for use.
However, if your SHBG levels are high, your body has limited unbound sex hormones available to be put to use.
Now, SHBG depends on numerous factors. Age, gender, and health conditions impact its levels.
Usually, adults have lower SHBG levels in comparison to females. Children have high SHBG levels and are suspected to have lots of changes. So the SHBG test is not for children and is only conducted for adults.
With increasing age, the SHBG levels increase. This impact is more prominent in males. Females are subjected to high SHBG levels when pregnant. Once the postpartum period begins, the level starts decreasing.