Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from vein
- Fasting: 8–12 hours recommended
- Turn-around: 4–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Direct access testing - No physician referral required for convenient screening
- Comprehensive hormone insight - More complete assessment than testosterone testing alone
- Confidential results - Secure online access
- Precise measurement - FDA-cleared electrochemiluminescence immunoassay technology
- Cardiovascular risk assessment - SHBG levels correlate with heart disease risk
- Treatment monitoring - Track hormone therapy effectiveness over time
Who Is This Test For?
- Men experiencing low libido, erectile dysfunction, or fatigue
- Women with irregular periods, excessive hair growth, or PCOS symptoms
- Individuals with suspected hormone imbalances not explained by standard tests
- People monitoring hormone replacement therapy effectiveness
- Those assessing cardiovascular risk factors related to hormone status
- Anyone wanting proactive hormonal health screening without doctor visits
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and receive lab requisition instantly
- Visit lab - Quick blood draw at any partner location, no appointment needed
- Get results - Access secure results online within 4-5 business days
FAQ
What does SHBG do in my body? SHBG is a liver-produced protein that binds to sex hormones like testosterone and estradiol, controlling how much is available for your tissues to use.
Why not just test testosterone directly? Total testosterone doesn't show bioavailability - SHBG reveals how much hormone is actually active in your body, explaining symptoms when total testosterone appears normal.
What symptoms suggest I need this test? Low energy, decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, irregular periods, excessive hair growth, or unexplained mood changes may indicate hormone imbalance.
Can medications affect my results? Yes - estrogens, corticosteroids, and anticonvulsants can alter SHBG levels. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements.
How do I prepare for the test? Fast 8-12 hours beforehand, avoid biotin supplements for 72 hours, and schedule morning collection when possible for most accurate results.
Should I stop hormone therapy before testing? Consult your healthcare provider before stopping any medications - they may want to see how therapy affects your SHBG levels.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The SHBG test measures sex hormone binding globulin levels to evaluate testosterone deficiency or excess and assess bioavailable hormone levels. SHBG binds to sex hormones, making them biologically inactive - only unbound "free" hormones can enter cells and activate receptors (Mayo Clinic Labs 2019). This test is particularly valuable when total testosterone results don't align with clinical symptoms, providing crucial insight into hormone bioavailability.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals with hormone imbalance symptoms including decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, or hirsutism in women. It's valuable for those with suspected PCOS, monitoring hormone therapy effectiveness, or assessing cardiovascular risk factors (Walk-In Lab 2025). The test empowers health-conscious consumers to proactively monitor hormonal health without requiring physician referrals.
When should I order the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Serum Test?
Consider ordering when experiencing fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, irregular menstrual cycles, or excessive hair growth. The test is recommended for evaluating suspected hormonal disorders, monitoring hormone therapy, or when other hormone tests show borderline or inconsistent results (University Hospitals). It's particularly useful for comprehensive hormone assessment in both men and women.
How do I interpret the results?
Low SHBG
- What it means: More free testosterone available
- Typical action: Investigate PCOS, obesity, or diabetes
Normal SHBG
- What it means: Balanced hormone regulation
- Typical action: Continue monitoring if symptomatic
High SHBG
- What it means: Less free testosterone is bioavailable
- Typical action: Evaluate for hypogonadism or liver function issues
SHBG concentrations are typically twice as high in women as in men, affecting normal reference ranges by sex.
SHBG results should be interpreted alongside total and free testosterone measurements. Low SHBG suggests more free testosterone is available, while high SHBG indicates less bioavailable testosterone (Testing.com 2022). Your healthcare provider can interpret results in context with symptoms and health history.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fast 8-12 hours before testing for most accurate results. Discontinue biotin supplements at least 72 hours before testing to avoid interference. Schedule morning collection when possible, as hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, particularly corticosteroids, estrogens, and anticonvulsants that can affect SHBG levels. Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before the test.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Once for baseline
- Monitoring therapy: Every 3–6 months
- Stable conditions: Annually
- Symptom changes: As needed
Why early detection matters
Hormonal imbalances affect approximately 5.2% of women with PCOS and 3.1% of men with hypogonadism (JAMA Network Open 2023, Nature Reviews Urology 2021). Early detection enables timely intervention before symptoms worsen or complications develop. SHBG levels also correlate with cardiovascular risk - higher levels associate with 27% reduced coronary heart disease risk (Nature Scientific Reports 2024).
Related tests you may consider
Testosterone Total Serum Test - Provides overall testosterone levels which, combined with SHBG, offers complete hormone status assessment.
Testosterone Free Serum Test - Directly measures biologically active testosterone, complementing SHBG results for comprehensive evaluation.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - Evaluates liver function affecting SHBG production, important when levels are unexpectedly abnormal.
Thyroid #2 Essential Blood Test Panel - TSH, T3, T4 testing provides crucial context since thyroid hormones significantly impact SHBG levels.
