Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

This test measures the levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in the blood. SHBG is a protein made by the liver and attaches itself to the sex hormones testosterone, estradiol and dihydrotestosterone and transports them through blood to the other organs of the body. It is most commonly used to detect low testosterone level in males and high testosterone level in females. Symptoms of low testosterone levels in men include low sex drive, difficulty getting an erection, fertility problems and high testosterone in females is manifested as excess body and facial hair growth, deepening of voice, menstrual irregularities, acne, weight gain and fertility problems.