Skip to main content

Sex Steroid Binding Globulin

Meaning

Sex Steroid Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein synthesized primarily in the liver that acts as a major transport protein for sex hormones, specifically testosterone and estradiol, in the bloodstream. SHBG tightly binds these steroid hormones, regulating the amount of free or biologically active hormone available to target tissues. A high SHBG level reduces the amount of available free hormone, potentially leading to symptoms of deficiency even if total hormone levels are adequate. Clinical assessment of SHBG is essential for accurately interpreting a patient’s true androgen and estrogen status.