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Sex hormone-binding globulin
The liver protein that carries testosterone and estradiol — it determines how much testosterone is actually free to act.
Other names: Sex hormone-binding globulinSection: Hormones
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortSHBG binds sex steroids in blood: the higher the SHBG, the smaller the free (active) fraction of testosterone. Typical references are 16.5–55.9 nmol/L (about 149–503 µg/dL) for men aged 20–49 and 24.6–122 nmol/L (about 221–1098 µg/dL) for women of the same age. It is always read together with total testosterone.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Men 20–49 — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
16.5–55.9 nmol/L (≈ 149–503 µg/dL)
Men over 49 — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
19.3–76.4 nmol/L (≈ 174–688 µg/dL)
Women 20–49 — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
24.6–122 nmol/L (≈ 221–1098 µg/dL)
Women over 49 — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
17.3–125 nmol/L (≈ 156–1125 µg/dL)
Ranges from the Labcorp reference directory (international reference, not a national standard). Mass conversion is approximate (dimer molecular weight ≈ 90 kDa). The report's reference applies. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and assays — use the range printed on your own lab report.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.
What this marker is
SHBG is made in the liver and rises with hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, and estrogen use; it falls with obesity, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and androgen use.
From total testosterone and SHBG the provider calculates free testosterone — a more accurate picture of androgen status than total testosterone alone, especially when SHBG is abnormal.
Androgen excessAndrogens suppress SHBG, further increasing the free fraction.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
Estrogen-containing contraceptivesThyroid functionBody weight and insulin resistanceAge
How to prepare
Morning fasting sample. The provider is told about contraceptives, androgens, and thyroid medication.
When a retest makes sense
An abnormal result is rechecked with total testosterone after 4–6 weeks once influencing factors are addressed.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: an endocrinologist; a gynecologist-endocrinologist or urologist-andrologist as appropriate. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: SHBGSex hormone-binding globulin
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