What is the reference range for Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin?

The standard reference range for Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin is Adult males approximately 10–55 nmol/L; adult females 20–120 nmol/L; method- and age-specific.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Which tests measure Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin?

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin is measured in 1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Blood Spot LCMS Hormones 7 with SHBG.

Biomarker Reference · SHBG

What does the Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin test measure?

Q: Why is Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin measured?

SHBG measurement allows calculation of free or bioavailable testosterone when direct free-testosterone assays are unavailable or unreliable. Low SHBG is a marker of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome; high SHBG may mask true androgen deficiency by lowering the free fraction despite normal total testosterone. SHBG is essential to the interpretation of total testosterone in both sexes.

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a clinical biomarker used in male-hormones assessment. SHBG is a glycoprotein synthesised by the liver that binds testosterone and oestradiol with high affinity, thereby regulating the bioavailable fraction of these hormones. It is measured in 1 laboratory test on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Adult males approximately 10–55 nmol/L; adult females 20–120 nmol/L; method- and age-specific.
Units: nmol/L
Measured In: 1 test
Category: Male Hormones

Functional medicine optimalOptimal SHBG depends on clinical context: in males low SHBG (<15 nmol/L) suggests metabolic dysfunction, while very high values may indicate hyperthyroidism or liver disease; in females SHBG below 20 nmol/L is associated with PCOS and metabolic risk. Mid-range values are generally favourable.

What is Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin?

SHBG is a glycoprotein synthesised by the liver that binds testosterone and oestradiol with high affinity, thereby regulating the bioavailable fraction of these hormones. Factors that increase SHBG (thyroid hormone, oestrogen, ageing, low BMI) reduce free androgen availability; factors that decrease it (insulin resistance, obesity, androgens, hypothyroidism) increase free hormone availability.

Why is Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin measured?

SHBG measurement allows calculation of free or bioavailable testosterone when direct free-testosterone assays are unavailable or unreliable. Low SHBG is a marker of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome; high SHBG may mask true androgen deficiency by lowering the free fraction despite normal total testosterone. SHBG is essential to the interpretation of total testosterone in both sexes.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Adult males approximately 10–55 nmol/L; adult females 20–120 nmol/L; method- and age-specific.
Functional medicine optimal: Optimal SHBG depends on clinical context: in males low SHBG (<15 nmol/L) suggests metabolic dysfunction, while very high values may indicate hyperthyroidism or liver disease; in females SHBG below 20 nmol/L is associated with PCOS and metabolic risk. Mid-range values are generally favourable.
Units: nmol/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin

1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-HRM-016Comprehensive

Blood Spot LCMS Hormones 7 with SHBG

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin reference range in this test: Adult males approximately 10–55 nmol/L; adult females 20–120 nmol/L; method- and age-specific.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

TestosteroneT1 test OestradiolE21 test ProgesteroneP41 test DehydroepiandrosteroneDHEA1 test CortisolCort1 test CortisoneE1 test Testosterone-to-Progesterone RatioT/P41 test

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