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Hormones

SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin)

Hormones

SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin)

Sex hormone binding globulin. Affects how much testosterone and oestrogen is bioavailable.

85 SEK

VAT-exempt medical service

  • Results in 5 working days
  • 116 sampling locations
  • No doctor's referral needed
  • Sample: Blood (venous)
Find a sampling location →

What does this test measure?

Here's something most people don't know: having 'normal' testosterone doesn't mean your body can use it. Enter SHBG — a protein made by your liver that grabs onto testosterone, DHT, and estradiol and holds them in an inactive state. When SHBG is high, your hormones are locked up. When it's low, they're running loose. Either way, it changes how you feel — even if your total hormone levels look fine on paper.

SHBG testing fills in the gaps when symptoms don't match your total testosterone result. It's especially useful for women with suspected excess androgens (think PCOS) and men who feel low-T but have normal numbers. If something doesn't add up, SHBG is often the answer.

What a high value can mean

High SHBG locks up testosterone, potentially making you feel testosterone-deficient even with normal total levels. Causes include liver conditions, hyperthyroidism, eating disorders, HRT, pregnancy, decreased sex hormone production, growth hormone deficiency, alcohol, smoking, and ageing in men.

What a low value can mean

Low SHBG lets more testosterone roam free. In men, this can mean fluid retention, acne, weight gain, and mood swings. In women, it can lead to excess available testosterone — weight gain, unwanted hair, acne, and cycle changes. Common culprits: high insulin, obesity, elevated prolactin, inflammation, hypothyroidism, Cushing's, and PCOS.

Read more about this marker →

Associated symptoms

  • Acne or oily skin
  • Excess facial or body hair in women
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction in men
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

Who should consider this test

  • Men with low-T symptoms but normal total testosterone
  • Women with signs of excess androgens (unwanted hair, acne)
  • Those being evaluated for PCOS
  • People with unexplained changes in libido or body composition
  • Anyone on hormone therapy who needs monitoring

Before your appointment

No advance preparation needed. Don't exercise before the test. Arrive early and sit quietly before the blood draw. Bring valid ID. If you take a supplement containing biotin (often sold for hair and nails), pause it for two days before the test, as high doses can distort the result.

  • Bring photo ID to the sampling location.
  • You do not need a doctor's referral — your referral is issued when you order.
  • Tell the staff which test you have ordered if they ask.

How it works

  1. 1

    Order your test

    Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.

  2. 2

    Give your sample

    Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.

  3. 3

    The lab analyses it

    Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.

  4. 4

    Get your results

    Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.

Good to know

Why does SHBG matter if my testosterone is normal?

Because 'normal' total testosterone includes bound hormone you can't use. If SHBG is abnormally high, most of your testosterone may be locked up and inactive — explaining symptoms despite a normal number.

Can insulin resistance affect SHBG?

Yes. High insulin pushes SHBG down, freeing up more testosterone. This is a common finding in women with PCOS and men with metabolic syndrome.

Does SHBG change with age?

In men, SHBG generally rises with age as testosterone falls. In women, it fluctuates with menstrual status, pregnancy, and menopause.