Test ID: B-201
Could an SHBG Imbalance Be Affecting Your Hormones, Energy, or Fertility?
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) plays a critical but often overlooked role in hormone health. It controls how much testosterone and oestrogen is actually available to your body’s tissues. An imbalance — in either direction — can cause a wide range of symptoms. If you recognise any of the following, an SHBG test could explain what’s happening:
Symptoms of low SHBG (excess free androgens):
- Excessive body hair or male-pattern hair growth (hirsutism) in women
- Acne or oily skin
- Hair thinning or male-pattern baldness
- Irregular or absent periods
- Reduced breast size
- Voice deepening
- Increased muscle mass without explanation
- Signs of PCOS or insulin resistance
Symptoms of high SHBG (low free testosterone):
- Low libido or reduced sex drive
- Fatigue and low energy despite adequate sleep
- Difficulty building or maintaining muscle
- Low mood, depression, or lack of motivation
- Brain fog or poor concentration
- Erectile dysfunction or reduced sexual performance in men
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
What Is SHBG and Why Does It Matter?
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by the liver that binds to testosterone and oestrogen in the bloodstream, controlling how much of each hormone is “free” and biologically active.
- High SHBG — binds more testosterone, leaving less free testosterone available. Common in men with low energy, low libido, or those on thyroid medication.
- Low SHBG — more free testosterone circulates, which can cause androgenic symptoms in women (e.g. PCOS, hirsutism) or indicate insulin resistance and metabolic issues.
SHBG is essential for understanding your true hormone balance — total testosterone alone does not tell the full picture. SHBG testing is particularly important for anyone investigating hormone imbalance, fertility concerns, or symptoms that don’t match standard hormone results.
What This Test Measures
- SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) – Assesses how much testosterone and oestrogen is biologically available to your tissues, and helps calculate free testosterone levels
How It Works
- Order your kit — delivered to your door
- Collect your sample at home — a simple finger-prick blood spot; no clinic or GP visit needed
- Post your sample to our CLIA-certified laboratory using the instructions provided
- Receive your results by email within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your sample
What You Get With Your Results
Your personalised report includes:
- Your SHBG level displayed clearly in graphics and numbers
- A written interpretation by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor
- Guidance on what your result means and what to do next
Who Is This Test For?
This test is suitable for men and women who want to:
- Understand why their testosterone or oestrogen symptoms don’t match standard test results
- Investigate PCOS, hirsutism, or irregular periods
- Assess free testosterone levels alongside total testosterone
- Explore the hormonal root cause of low libido, fatigue, or mood issues
- Monitor SHBG as part of a broader hormone or fertility assessment
Key Information
- Collect your sample from home and post to our lab — no clinic visit required
- Results delivered by email within 3–5 working days
- Laboratory fee included — no hidden costs or additional charges
- Valid for 12 months from the date of purchase
- Analysed by a CLIA-certified ZRT laboratory with over 11 million tests performed
- Customers are responsible for posting their sample to the laboratory