Mar 8, 2025
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): What It Means for Hormone Balance, Energy & Health
When understanding your body's hormonal balance, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a key player, especially concerning testosterone.
Written by
Mito Team
Understanding SHBG: The Hormonal Gatekeeper
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) controls how much testosterone and estrogen your body can use. Whether your SHBG is too high or too low, balancing it is key for hormone regulation, energy, and sexual health.
SHBG helps regulate the balance of Free Testosterone and estrogen.
Low SHBG may lead to hormonal imbalance, acne, hair loss, or metabolic symptoms.
High SHBG may reduce libido and energy, affecting muscle and reproductive health.
You can test SHBG via a blood test and adjust levels through diet, lifestyle, or supplements.
What is SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) and Why It Matters
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced primarily by the liver. It primarily binds to sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, in the blood. By doing so, SHBG controls the amount of "free" or bioavailable hormones that can actively interact with your body's tissues. While the liver is the leading production site, other tissues like the brain, uterus, and testes contribute to SHBG production.
Why SHBG Is Essential for Hormone Balance and Energy
SHBG regulates the amount of free hormones available in your body. Free hormones are the active forms that can bind to receptors and trigger physiological responses. SHBG maintains hormonal balance by controlling how much testosterone or estrogen circulates in a "usable" form. Imbalanced SHBG levels can lead to a cascade of hormonal issues, affecting metabolism, sexual health, and overall wellness.
Is High or Low SHBG Bad? Here's What It Means for Your Hormones
Many people wonder, "Is SHBG good or bad?" The answer is that SHBG isn't inherently good or bad — it's all about balance. SHBG is essential for hormonal health because it governs the levels of active testosterone and estrogen that circulate in your body. Too much or too little SHBG can disrupt this balance, leading to health issues.
SHBG and Hormone-Related Health Conditions: Thyroid, Metabolism, and Liver
SHBG's levels reflect a wide range of health factors, making it an essential biomarker for more than just hormone balance:
Thyroid diseases: Hyperthyroidism tends to increase SHBG levels, while hypothyroidism lowers them, directly impacting free hormone levels.
Pituitary diseases: Pituitary gland disorders can disrupt SHBG regulation, affecting overall hormonal balance.
Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance reduces SHBG levels, leading to higher free testosterone, which can exacerbate metabolic issues.
Liver disorders: Since the liver produces SHBG, liver diseases can lower its levels, disrupting hormone balance.
Cancer: Some cancers, particularly hormone-sensitive cancers like breast or prostate cancer, can influence SHBG production and overall hormone activity.
What Causes Low SHBG and What Are the Symptoms?
When SHBG levels are low, more free hormones circulate in the bloodstream, potentially leading to various health problems. Potential causes of low SHBG levels are insulin resistance or high insulin levels, excess androgens (like testosterone), obesity or high body fat, hypothyroidism, and inflammation.
So what happens when there are low levels of SHBG? There will be more free testosterone, which can cause acne, hair loss, and irregular periods in women. In men, it can signal metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. Low SHBG is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Causes and Symptoms of High SHBG Levels
Conversely, high levels of SHBG can result in fewer free hormones available for the body to use. This is caused by excess estrogen, an indication of liver disease, hyperthyroidism, extreme dieting, and certain medications like birth control pills.
Elevated SHBG levels in the blood can lead to low libido, fatigue, and erectile dysfunction in men. High SHBG can also impair muscle growth and recovery after training sessions for people undergoing strength training or building muscle. In women, it might contribute to fertility issues.
Natural Ways to Raise SHBG for Better Hormonal Health
If you're wondering how to increase SHBG, there are several strategies to consider. Increasing SHBG levels can help balance your hormones by reducing the amount of free testosterone and estrogen circulating in your body. Here are some practical ways to increase SHBG:
Incorporate a balanced diet rich in nutrients.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Manage insulin levels through lifestyle changes like regular exercise and a low-glycemic diet.
Ensure thyroid health.
Reduce sugar intake, as excess sugar can lower SHBG levels.
Increasing Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Naturally
For those specifically looking into how to increase sex hormone-binding globulin naturally, the key lies in adopting healthy lifestyle habits. A diet high in fiber, regular physical activity, and stress can all positively impact SHBG levels. Additionally, certain foods like green tea, flaxseeds, and fatty fish have been linked to increased SHBG production.
How to Lower SHBG Levels if They’re Too High
On the flip side, if your SHBG levels are too high, you might want to find ways to decrease them. Here’s how to lower SHBG:
Increase healthy fats and protein in your overall diet.
Consider supplements like boron (linked to lowering SHBG).
Address hormonal imbalances with medical support.
Ensure you're not undereating or over-exercising, as these can elevate SHBG levels.
The Takeaway
SHBG plays a pivotal role in hormone regulation, acting as a crucial mediator of hormonal balance. Maintaining balanced SHBG levels is essential for optimal health, impacting everything from metabolic health to reproductive function.
Understanding your SHBG levels can provide valuable insights into your hormonal health. Consider getting your SHBG assessed with Mito Health’s comprehensive blood biomarker panels. Monitoring and managing your SHBG levels can unlock your hormonal potential and help you achieve a healthier, more vibrant life.