This test determines the SHBG value of a blood sample; SHBG stands for SHBG-binding globulin. It is a protein made by your liver. It binds to sex hormones in your blood.
SHBG helps control a number of sex hormones that your body has trouble working with; once the SHBG protein binds to sex hormones, the tissue is not likely to use these hormones. Tissues can only use sex hormones that are considered “free”. That is, they are not bound to SHBG or other proteins.
SHBG testing is usually performed when there are symptoms or signs of very high or very low amounts of the sex hormone testosterone. Testosterone is commonly known as the “male” sex hormone, while women have the lowest testosterone counts.
In adult men, testosterone helps keep sexual desire under control, maintains muscle mass, and helps build sperm. In mature women, testosterone is important for healthy organs and bone and muscle structure; measuring SHBG levels can provide information about how active testosterone is in body tissues.
Other names: testosterone – Austen-binding globulin, Tebg.
What is it used for?
The SHBG test is usually used to gather information about the function of testosterone in the body in order to
- Adult men who show signs likely caused by very low testosterone levels.
- Adult women showing signs likely caused by very high testosterone levels.
Typically, your health care provider will order a complete testosterone blood test first. This test guarantees one measurement of all the testosterone in your blood sample, including free testosterone and testosterone bound to proteins. However, this analysis does not indicate how much testosterone your body is given. Therefore, even if your testosterone levels are normal, you can have very little or many signs of free testosterone.
If the Army’s testosterone levels do not explain the symptoms, the supplier can order an SHBG blood test to help you recognize the amount of free testosterone; the SHBG and Joint Testster tests can be performed simultaneously.
Why do I need an SHBG blood test?
You may need this test if you have symptoms or signs of abnormal testosterone levels, especially if the results of a complete testosterone test do not explain your symptoms.
If you are a male and have signs of low testosterone levels, you may need this test.
- Low libido
- Difficulty getting an erection
- Fertility.
If you are a woman, you may need this test if you have signs of high testosterone
- Increased facial and body hair too strong
- Voice Reduction
- Irregular or no menstruation at all.
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Fertility.
What happens during the HGH blood test?
The physician takes blood from a vein in the arm with the help of a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a tube or vial. As the needle enters and exits, a small burning sensation is felt. It usually takes no more than 5 minutes.
Do I need to make anything to prepare for the test?
No special preparation for the HGH test is required.
Are there any risks involved in the test?
There are very few risks associated with blood testing. You may experience mild pain and bruising in the area where the needle is inserted, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
Your doctor will usually examine the results of your HGH blood test and the results of your testosterone test. This will certainly help your doctor estimate how much free testosterone is in your blood.
If your HGH levels are very low, this means that your body could probably use more testosterone.
Low HGH levels can be associated with
- Hypothyroidism
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity or very overweight
- Excessive use of steroids and/or anabolic steroids
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Polycystus ovarii syndrome (PCOS) in women.
It is also a good thing that your HGH levels decrease as you get older because sex hormone production is still declining.
If you have very high levels of HGH, it probably means that the least amount of joint testosterone produces the least amount of free testosterone. This is inexpensive before the tissue uses it. Therefore, the tissue may not take in the required amount of testosterone.
Advanced HSPG can be associated with
- Liver disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Disorders of eating behavior
- For example, in women when estrogen is used in medications:
- hormone replacement therapy
- birth control pills
Your doctor may perform other tests to see if your hormones are balancing together. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your results.
What else do I need to know about the HGH blood test?
The HSPG test can be used in combination with other tests to determine early puberty in boys. Typically, HGH levels are high in all boys. As levels increase, the effects of sex hormones on body tissues are prevented; if HGH levels are low, puberty in boys can begin very early.
With permission of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.
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