Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)
The transport protein that decides how much of your testosterone and estradiol is actually available to tissues.
Consider this test if:
- Total testosterone came back borderline or normal but symptoms suggest low androgen activity
- Investigating low libido, fatigue, erectile changes, or loss of muscle and exercise tolerance in men
- Working up irregular cycles, acne, or hirsutism in women, where low SHBG often accompanies elevated free androgens
- Insulin resistance, obesity, or type 2 diabetes, which commonly drive SHBG down
- Tracking how thyroid changes, estrogen therapy, or weight change are affecting your free hormone levels
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Typical results in 1-2 days · Reviewed by a real clinician
- Drawn at a CLIA/CAP-accredited lab near you ·
Pre-test considerations
A morning blood draw is preferred when SHBG is being used to interpret testosterone, since testosterone peaks early in the day. Fasting is not required for SHBG itself. Note any estrogen, androgen, thyroid, glucocorticoid, or anticonvulsant therapy, since all of these shift SHBG.
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What this test is for
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is the main blood protein that carries testosterone and estradiol, binding them tightly so they are inactive while bound. SHBG sets how much of your total testosterone is free and bioavailable, which is why two people with identical total testosterone can have very different active hormone levels. High SHBG is linked to aging, hyperthyroidism, estrogen use, liver disease, and anticonvulsant therapy, while low SHBG is linked to obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and androgen or glucocorticoid use. It is most useful for interpreting a borderline or confusing testosterone result, since a normal total testosterone can mask low free testosterone when SHBG is high.
This test measures SHBG on its own. If you want the active-fraction number itself, the Free and Total Testosterone, Bioavailable Testosterone, or Free Androgen Index tests pair SHBG with testosterone and albumin to calculate it directly.
What to expect
- 1 Book instantly
Click, book, done. Choose a convenient lab location near you. Transparent, up-front pricing.
- 2 Quick lab visit
Testing to fit your busy schedule, usually 15 minutes or less. Walk-in and appointments available.
- 3 Typical results in 1-2 days
Your results post straight to your dashboard as soon as the lab completes them.
- 4 Expert guidance
Included with Mito membership. A clinician reviews your results and your personalized action plan follows, with clear next steps.
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Every test at our cost
Members pay our cost on every test, with lab fees passed straight through. The full receipt is itemized, never padded.
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Order any test or consult without joining. For $9/month, members unlock member prices, trend tracking, and year-round clinician guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
View all FAQsHow does pricing work?
Every test shows the member price next to the standard non-member price, so you can see what membership saves you. The member price is our cost — covering the lab and what it takes to run the service — never a profit on the test itself; Mito makes its money on the $9 membership, not on marking up your tests. Membership is $9/mo, and you still pay the lab’s order fee. Prices are itemized before you pay, with no hidden fees.
Where do I get tested?
Choose a partner lab (Quest, Labcorp, or BioReference) at checkout. If your cart spans multiple tests, we consolidate the whole order onto a single lab so you only make one visit.
Is this eligible for HSA/FSA?
Yes. This test is HSA/FSA eligible, and you can pay with your HSA/FSA card at checkout.
When will I get my results?
Your results post to your dashboard once your lab completes them, then a clinician reviews them and your full analysis and personalized action plan (with clear next steps) follow. Turnaround varies by test: specialty assays and at-home kits take longer, and each test shows its expected turnaround before you buy.
Do I need a doctor’s order?
No. Mito provides the lab order for you, so you can book and get tested without a separate doctor visit.
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