Curious about why your hormone levels might appear normal on standard tests, yet you're still experiencing symptoms that suggest hormonal imbalance?
The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Test measures the protein that binds to hormones like testosterone and oestrogen in the blood. SHBG levels affect how much free, active hormone is available, and this test may help assess hormone balance, fertility, and metabolic health.
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So how does it work?
Bloody Good is a single portal for ordering, tracking, and reviewing on-demand health testing. Get started with three simple steps:
1
Book your test
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
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The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Test measures the protein that binds to hormones like testosterone and oestrogen in the blood. SHBG levels affect how much free, active hormone is available, and this test may help assess hormone balance, fertility, and metabolic health.
Think of SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) as your body's hormone taxi service. Just like a taxi picks up passengers and controls where they can go, SHBG binds to your sex hormones—testosterone and estrogen—and determines how much of them are actually free to work in your body. When you have high SHBG levels, it's like having too many taxis picking up your hormones, leaving fewer available to do their important jobs of maintaining energy, mood, and sexual health. On the flip side, low SHBG means more hormones are running free, which might sound good but can actually cause symptoms of hormone overload.
This test is especially valuable because it explains why you might feel tired, moody, or experience other hormone-related symptoms even when standard hormone tests come back "normal." Your total hormone levels might look fine on paper, but if SHBG is throwing off the balance of what's actually usable, you'll still feel the effects. Since SHBG responds to factors like stress, weight changes, liver health, and insulin levels, testing it gives you and your healthcare provider a clearer picture of what's really happening with your hormonal health—helping you get to the root of symptoms that might otherwise remain a mystery.
Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
You may benefit from the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Blood Test
Essential for anyone with unexplained symptoms despite normal hormone tests, particularly men and women with testosterone or oestrogen-related concerns. Valuable for individuals with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, thyroid disorders, or liver conditions. Important for women with PCOS, irregular periods, or fertility issues, and men with low energy despite normal testosterone. Also useful for monitoring hormone replacement therapy effectiveness.
Low sex drive in women
Low sex drive in men
Excessive hair growth on face or body (women)
Acne in adult women
Insulin resistance
How to prepare
No fasting required. Morning collection (between 7-10 AM) recommended for consistency. Avoid biotin supplements for 3 days before testing. Inform your healthcare provider about hormone medications, thyroid treatments, or liver medications as these can influence SHBG levels.
Understanding results
Normal ranges vary by age and gender. Adult men: 18-54 nmol/L; Adult women: 18-144 nmol/L (higher during pregnancy). Post-menopausal women typically have lower levels. High SHBG may indicate hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or anorexia. Low SHBG often suggests insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, or androgen excess. Optimal ranges depend on individual health goals and should be interpreted with other hormone markers.
After the test
Discuss results with a healthcare provider specialising in hormone health. Abnormal SHBG levels may require additional testing including comprehensive hormone panels, liver function tests, or thyroid studies. Lifestyle modifications such as weight management, regular exercise, and addressing insulin resistance can help optimise SHBG levels. Follow-up testing recommended every 3-6 months when monitoring treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
High SHBG binds more of your sex hormones, potentially leaving less available for biological activity. This can lead to symptoms of hormone deficiency despite normal total hormone levels.
Yes, maintaining healthy weight, regular resistance exercise, adequate protein intake, and managing insulin levels can help optimise SHBG. Zinc supplementation may also be beneficial.
Oestrogen naturally increases SHBG production, while testosterone tends to lower it. This is why women typically have higher SHBG levels than men.
Oral contraceptives often increase SHBG significantly, which can reduce free testosterone and sometimes affect mood, libido, or energy levels.
Yes, SHBG should ideally be tested alongside total testosterone, free testosterone, and oestradiol for complete hormone assessment. The Free Androgen Index calculation also requires SHBG.
SHBG can change relatively quickly with significant diet or lifestyle changes, typically showing changes within 4-8 weeks of intervention.
Bloody Good is a single portal for ordering, tracking, and reviewing on-demand health testing.
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Find answers to common questions about our products and services.
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
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