Sex hormone is highly important for proper sexual development, puberty, sexual desire, reproductive ability, and several other physiological functions. However, multiple factors can influence hormonal functions. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin is a primary factor that controls how much sex hormones your body uses.
Fluctuation of SHBG levels indicates an imbalance in sex hormones. So, maintaining a proper SHBG level is essential for avoiding health issues. But, when should you measure SHBG level? A comprehensive will help you restore your normal SHBG level.
Know About SHBG and its Functions
A protein known as SHBG helps in binding the major sex hormones together. The binding controls testosterone production in males. So, men should maintain a normal SHBG range to gain muscle mass and have a better sex drive. Similarly, SHBG for women controls the menstruation cycle and promotes fertility.
SHBG binds to a considerable amount of testosterone in your body. As a result, your tissues and cells cannot use this testosterone. Your body uses only free testosterone, which has diverse characteristics. Thus, high or low SHBG affects how your body uses the hormone.
Should You Test Your SHBG Levels?
Many doctors recommend SHBG tests when they find symptoms like
Bone loss- A higher SHBG level can result in low bone density. Elderly men and women with a higher concentration of SHGB have a risk of bone fractures.
Prostate cancer- A hike in SHBG level increases the prostate cancer risks.
Alzheimer’s Disease- There is a connection between Alzheimer’s Disease and higher SHBG.
Besides, SHBG fluctuations can cause other health problems, including
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Obesity-related cancers
- Low sperm concentration
- Hot flashes
- Impotence
- Smaller testicles
- Breast growth
- Loss of energy
- Improper sexual development in teens
- Irregular periods
- Memory loss
- Vaginal dryness
- Depression
- Hypothyroidism- Inability of the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone
- Diabetes- Higher blood sugar level
- Cushing’s syndrome- Production of a high amount of cortisol
- Polycystic ovary syndrome- A hormone disease causing infertility
- Testes cancer of men
If you have found these symptoms, you can consult your doctor to measure the SHGB. Low SHBG is responsible for some health conditions. Thus, if you have found Sex Hormone Binding Globulin high or low, you should take steps to increase it.
Are Normal SHBG Levels Different for Males and Females?
The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin range for men should range from 13.3 to 89.5 nmol/L. But, it should be between 60 and 80 nmol/L. Only a test can determine how much SHBG is present in your body.
Your physician will recommend the test when he suspects an abnormal sex hormone level. It enables him to identify whether women have high testosterone and men have low testosterone.
Most commonly, healthcare providers check the status of different sex hormones while testing SHBG.
To assess the likelihood of poor sex desire, infertility, and erectile dysfunction in men, testosterone and SHBG levels must be measured. However, an increase in testosterone levels, even little, causes acne, infertility, and facial hair in females.
Factors that affect SHBG
Find the list of potential factors that can make Sex Hormone Binding Globulin low or high.
- Pregnancy- SHBG is quite high in women who have undergone ovarian stimulation.
- Increased thyroid hormone- If your body generates high amounts of thyroid hormone, your bloodstream will have an increased SHBG level.
- Liver disorders- As the liver produces SHGB, liver issues can lead to high or low SHBG. Men who drink alcohol regularly have cirrhosis, which results in increased SHBG levels. But, cirrhosis can also be noticed in men who do not drink alcohol.
- Smoking- Regular smokers often have higher SHBG. When they quit smoking, they can find a significant drop in SHBG within a short period.
- Physical stress- It is another reason behind higher SHBG levels.
SHBG can facilitate or inhibit normal hormone release. Depending on your SHBG level, you can find hormonal effects. When you have ED issues, low concentration, mood swings, and other issues, you can contact a specialist for testing Sex Hormone Binding Globulin. The doctor will evaluate your health before recommending the test.
