The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test measures the level of SHBG in the blood. SHBG is a protein produced by the liver that binds tightly to three sex hormones: estrogen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and testosterone. This test is useful in the investigation of suspected androgen excess, such as in polycystic ovarian syndrome, idiopathic hirsutism, infertility, disorders of puberty, and the monitoring of sex-steroid and anti-androgen therapies[1][3].
Indications of the Test
The SHBG test is used to gather information about how testosterone is working in the body. It is ordered for adult males with symptoms that may be caused by too little testosterone and adult females with symptoms that may be caused by too much testosterone. It is also used to diagnose conditions such as androgen deficiency, hypogonadism, and polycystic ovary syndrome[2][3].
Patient Preparation/Instructions
No special preparation is needed for this test. However, it’s essential to follow any instructions given by the healthcare provider.
Typical Reference Values
The reference values for SHBG in nmol/L vary by age and gender. For adults, the typical reference range is:
– Males > or =18 years: 13.3-89.5 nmol/L
– Females 18-46 years: 18.2-135.5 nmol/L
– Females 47-91 years (post-menopausal): 16.8-125.2 nmol/L[1]
Turnaround Time
The turnaround time for the SHBG test is typically 24 hours.
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