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.
Video consult with your Care Team
A 1:1 call to discuss your health.
What members say on Trustpilot
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.
- Specimen
- Serum or plasma
- Measures
- Substance concentration
What you'll learn
-
Insights that connect the dots. A clinician reads your whole picture, not one result in isolation, connecting family history, past results, and lifestyle into clear next steps.
-
Your personalized action plan. Nutrition, supplements, and training in one clinician-reviewed protocol, updated as your results change.
-
Track your trends. Upload results from any lab and see each biomarker trend over time, so you know what is working.
-
Never miss a recheck. Mito tells you what is worth retesting and when, then reminds you so nothing slips.
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.
Everything your health needs,
in one membership
-
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.
-
Continuous tracking, all in one place
Upload past labs and watch your trends over time. Every marker and visit lives in one longitudinal record, so all your care stays together.
-
Year-round clinician support
Text anytime and get clinician-reviewed answers. When you want to go deeper, 1:1 consultations are available at affordable rates.
All for $9/month
Order any test or consult without joining. For $9/month, members unlock member prices, trend tracking, and year-round clinician guidance.
Mito Membership
$9 /mo
cancel anytime
Without membership
$0
pay as you go
At-cost pricing on labs, scans, and more
Supplements at 30% off retail prices Coming soon
On-demand clinician consults when you need guidance
Personalized action plans across supplements, exercise, nutrition, and sleep
AI health coaching to help you act on your results
Year-round medical support, with in-chat clinician escalation
All your health records in one personal vault, with trends and biological age tracking
Early access to new diagnostics and product releases
More tests to consider
Loading essentials…
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. It is never a profit on the test itself. Mito makes its money on the $9 membership, not on marking up your tests. Membership is $9 per month, and any applicable lab order or draw fee is itemized before you pay.
Where do I get tested?
Choose an available partner lab at checkout. If your cart contains multiple blood tests, Mito helps consolidate the eligible tests at one lab when possible. At-home kits and scans follow the collection or appointment process shown on their product page.
Is this eligible for HSA/FSA?
Yes. Eligible tests can be paid for with an HSA or FSA card at checkout.
When will I get my results?
Your results appear in your Mito dashboard after the laboratory completes processing. A clinician then reviews them before your analysis and personalized action plan are finalized. Timing varies by test, and specialty assays and at-home kits may take longer.
Do I need a physician's order?
No. Mito provides the laboratory order when one is required, so you do not need to arrange a separate physician visit before purchasing.
Recently viewed
Loading essentials…