SHBG: The Hormone Regulator Every Woman Needs to Know About

One of the key players in balancing your hormones is the Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG). We all know SHBG is an essential protein that balances testosterone and other hormones in the body. Yet, many women are still unaware of how SHBG is another piece in the puzzle of regulating their sex hormones. 

So, what is Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin for females, and why does it matter?

SHBG In A Nutshell

SHBG is a type of protein made by your liver. As it travels through your bloodstream, it attaches to testosterone and estradiol. SHBG then carries those hormones to different parts of your body.

In a simple explanation, SHBG’s job is to control how much of those sex hormones are "free" or active in your body. Think of it this way: high levels of SHBG mean your body uses fewer active sex hormones. When it’s at a low level, more hormones are free to be used by your body.

How Important is SHBG in Women's Health

1. Menstrual Cycles and Fertility: SHBG manages your sex hormones during menstrual cycle. This ensures you have the right levels for ovulation and fertility.

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): If you have PCOS, your SHBG levels are often lower than normal. When it’s low, less testosterone gets attached to it. This leads to more free testosterone in your blood and causes symptoms of PCOS, such as extra hair growth and acne.

3. Menopause: Estrogen declines during menopausal transition. This affects your SHBG levels. So, when SHBG is high, it impacts the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, mood changes, and changes in libido.

4. Skin and Hair Health: SHBG influences the availability of androgens, which can affect hair growth and skin clarity. When SHBG is low, it increases sebum production, resulting in oily skin and acne. 

Understand SHBG Levels

Now, you may wonder, if SHBG is that important, how do you know when it’s low or high? A simple blood test can measure your SHBG levels. Your results are interpreted using a SHBG normal range in females.

The ideal sex hormone binding globulin range differs for every woman. Most say it’s between 18 and 144 nmol/L. Pregnant women have higher SHBG levels, which return to normal after giving birth.

Should SHBG be high or low? Higher levels are often better, as it means less free testosterone. It can be beneficial for women prone to androgen-related symptoms. But, too high SHBG can lead to hormonal imbalances. When your sex binding hormone globulin is low, it’s often linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and PCOS. 

Factors Affecting SHBG Levels in Women

There are various factors that can contribute to levels of SHBG. It ranges from your age and lifestyle to medications and illnesses:

1. Age and Genetics: Hormone levels change based on age and gender. Generally, men’s SHBG levels go down as they get older. Few studies have looked at how SHBG relates to age in women.

2. Weight and Metabolism: A high body mass index is often linked with low SHBG levels. This happens when you have obesity or metabolic syndrome.

3. Insulin Resistance: High insulin levels are a major factor in low SHBG. Insulin suppresses the production of SHBG. It’s common when you have type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

4. Thyroid Health: Hypothyroidism decreases SHBG, while hyperthyroidism increases SHBG levels.

5. Medications: Use of Androgens and Anabolic Steroids decreases your SHBG levels.

6. Lifestyle: A high-carb diet contributes to insulin resistance and lower SHBG. With regular exercise, especially for weight control, you can boost your insulin sensitivity and increase SHBG.

What's Next For Your Hormonal Health?

How to Lower Sex Hormone Binding Globulin in Females

Usually, you don’t want to lower SHBG. The goal is to raise it to a healthy level. If you need to have a low sex hormone-binding globulin, it’s likely due to very high levels, which are rare.

To address low SHBG, focus on the root cause. Make changes in your lifestyle like improving your diet, exercising, and weight management. Eating a low glycemic index diet can help improve insulin sensitivity and raise your SHBG. Regular exercise also boosts SHBG and improves insulin sensitivity. 

If you need to lose weight, doing so can significantly affect your SHBG levels. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medications to treat insulin resistance or related issues.

Raising SHBG Levels in Women

To raise your SHBG, improving insulin sensitivity is important. Aim for a balanced diet that includes fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats. Regular exercise and stress management techniques can also help. Some supplements, like inositol, may be useful, but always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements.

The Takeaway

Knowing how SHBG affects women's health helps you manage your hormones better. By being aware of the signs of hormonal imbalance and working with your doctor, you can achieve optimal health, espeically for women. 

If you want to know more about your SHBG levels, take Mito Health’s comprehensive blood panel to get your results and work with your doctor on keeping your SHBG at a normal level.