Synonyms:  SHBG; TeBG; Testosterone Binding Globulin


Why It Is Done

• Evaluate the status of a patient’s androgens (male hormones).
• Ordered primarily when the total testosterone results do not seem to be consistent with clinical signs, such as decreased sex drive in men or hirsutism in women.


Test Overview

The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test measures the concentration of SHBG in the blood. SHBG is a protein that is produced by the liver. It binds tightly to testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (an estrogen) and transports them in the blood in a metabolically inactive form. The amount of SHBG in circulation is affected by age and sex, by decreased or increased testosterone or estrogen production, and can be affected by certain diseases and conditions such as liver disease, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and obesity.

How To Prepare

No special preparation needed.