The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) test may be used to help evaluate men for low testosterone and women for excess testosterone production. It may be ordered in conjunction with other tests to evaluate the status of a person's sex hormones.SHBG is a protein that binds tightly to the hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (an estrogen). In this bound state, SHBG transports these hormones in the blood as biologically inactive forms. Changes in SHBG levels can affect the amount of hormone that is available to be used by the body's tissues.Testing for albumin level and one or more other sex hormones, such as prolactin, estradiol, and LH (luteinizing hormone), may also be performed to evaluate a person's existing balance of hormones.SHBG in menSHBG and total testosterone levels may be ordered for an adult male to help determine the cause of infertility, a decreased sex drive, or erectile dysfunction. Measurement of SHBG in addition to testosterone is especially helpful when total testosterone results are inconsistent with clinical signs.Measurement of total testosterone in the blood does not distinguish between bound and unbound (bioavailable) testosterone but, as the name implies, determines the overall quantity of testosterone in the blood. In many cases, this is sufficient to evaluate excessive or deficient testosterone production. However, if a person's SHBG level is not normal, then the total testosterone may not be an accurate representation of the amount of testosterone that is available to the body's tissues.Measurement of SHBG helps health practitioners assess bioavailable testosterone with a simple total testosterone measurement. Increased SHBG in men may be associated with symptoms of low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) because less testosterone is available to the body's tissues.The Endocrine Society professional guidelines recommend measuring total testosterone in the initial screen for testosterone deficiency. If abnormal, the test is repeated on another day. If repeat results are low-normal and/or if SHBG is abnormal, they recommend one of the following:Measure bioavailable testosterone (using ammonium sulfate precipitation or SHBG)Calculate free testosterone from total testosterone and SHBGMeasure free testosterone (using a method called equilibrium dialysis)SHBG in womenIn women, small amounts of testosterone are produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Even slight increases in testosterone production can disrupt the balance of hormones and cause symptoms such as irregular or missed menstrual periods, infertility, acne, and excess facial and body hair (hirsutism). These signs and symptoms and others are often seen with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by an excess production of male sex hormones (androgens). SHBG and testosterone testing may be useful in helping to detect and evaluate excess testosterone production and/or decreased SHBG concentrations and in evaluating women suspected of having PCOS.
Sample Type - Blood
Reporting Time - 1 Day
Prerequisites - No special preparation required
Price - ₹1520/-
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