$7.00
Priced per marker, with baseline labs included. You’ll see your total before you pay.
Hormones & reproductive
SHBG test
Sex hormone-binding globulin. Protein that binds sex hormones; controls how much is biologically active.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Sex hormone binding globulin, or SHBG, is a protein made by your liver that carries testosterone and estrogen in your blood. Hormones attached to it are less active, so SHBG affects how much is free to work.
Why it matters for women
Low SHBG can leave more testosterone free to act, which can show up as acne or extra hair. It can be common with PCOS and with insulin resistance, when your body needs extra insulin to manage blood sugar. Birth control pills with estrogen, pregnancy and thyroid changes can all shift SHBG, so it’s read alongside your other hormone results.
You might check it if…
- you’re checking testosterone and want the full picture
- your periods are irregular or a doctor mentioned PCOS
- you notice acne or extra hair on your face or body
- a doctor mentioned insulin resistance
What your result may mean
High SHBG: what it may mean
High SHBG can bind up more testosterone, which can lower free testosterone, the active part. It can happen with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), oral estrogen such as birth control pills, pregnancy, anorexia or liver disease. Some anti-seizure medicines can have the same effect. Because more hormone may be bound, total testosterone can look normal even when free testosterone is low. You may notice low sex drive or no symptoms at all, and a clinician may read SHBG with total and free testosterone.
Low SHBG: what it may mean
Low SHBG may raise free testosterone, leaving more of it available to act on your body. It can happen with insulin resistance, PCOS, obesity, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or androgen use. Extra free testosterone can show up as acne, extra facial or body hair, or irregular periods. Low SHBG can also be an early clue to insulin resistance, when your body needs extra insulin to manage blood sugar. A clinician may look at fasting glucose, A1c or thyroid tests alongside it.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.