Which tests measure Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (Dried Blood Spot)?

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (Dried Blood Spot) is measured in 2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Blood Spot LCMS Hormones 3 with SHBG, Blood Spot LCMS Hormones 7 with SHBG and Thyroids.

Biomarker Reference · SHBG

What does the Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (Dried Blood Spot) test measure?

Q: What is the reference range for Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (Dried Blood Spot)?

The standard reference range for Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (Dried Blood Spot) is Adult male 10–57 nmol/L; adult female 18–114 nmol/L; intervals are method- and population-dependent.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (Dried Blood Spot) (SHBG) is a clinical biomarker used in male-hormones assessment. SHBG is a liver-synthesised glycoprotein that binds testosterone and oestradiol with high affinity, modulating their bioavailability. It is measured in 2 laboratory tests on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Adult male 10–57 nmol/L; adult female 18–114 nmol/L; intervals are method- and population-dependent.
Units: nmol/L
Measured In: 2 tests
Category: Male Hormones

Functional medicine optimalMid-normal SHBG (approximately 20–50 nmol/L in men) is associated with favourable metabolic and cardiovascular profiles; very low values suggest insulin resistance, and very high values may indicate reduced androgen bioavailability.

What is Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (Dried Blood Spot)?

SHBG is a liver-synthesised glycoprotein that binds testosterone and oestradiol with high affinity, modulating their bioavailability. Its production is increased by oestrogens and thyroid hormone and suppressed by androgens, insulin, and obesity. SHBG concentration influences the free fraction of sex steroids and is an independent marker of insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.

Why is Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (Dried Blood Spot) measured?

SHBG is central to interpreting total testosterone — low SHBG (common in obesity and insulin resistance) reduces total testosterone but may preserve free testosterone, while high SHBG (seen in hyperthyroidism, ageing, or liver disease) raises total testosterone but can lower free levels. The ratio of total testosterone to SHBG approximates free androgen status when direct free-testosterone measurement is unavailable.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Adult male 10–57 nmol/L; adult female 18–114 nmol/L; intervals are method- and population-dependent.
Functional medicine optimal: Mid-normal SHBG (approximately 20–50 nmol/L in men) is associated with favourable metabolic and cardiovascular profiles; very low values suggest insulin resistance, and very high values may indicate reduced androgen bioavailability.
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 (Dried Blood Spot)

2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-HRM-014Comprehensive

Blood Spot LCMS Hormones 3 with SHBG

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (Dried Blood Spot) reference range in this test: Adult male approximately 10–57 nmol/L, adult female 18–114 nmol/L; method-specific.

BML-THY-030Comprehensive

Blood Spot LCMS Hormones 7 with SHBG and Thyroids

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (Dried Blood Spot) reference range in this test: Adult male 10–57 nmol/L; adult female 18–114 nmol/L; intervals are method- and population-dependent.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

Oestradiol (Dried Blood Spot)E22 tests Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (Dried Blood Spot)DHEA-S2 tests Testosterone, Total (Dried Blood Spot)T1 test Free Androgen Index (Dried Blood Spot, Calculated)FAI1 test ProgesteroneP41 test TestosteroneT1 test CortisolF1 test Thyroid-Stimulating HormoneTSH5 tests

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