1012. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
Important information
*The biomaterial can be taken during the whole working day of the lab center
*For woman an operator specifies the day of the menstrual cycle or the gestational age
Description
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein synthesized by the liver that regulates the levels of biologically active sex hormones in the body. The functional activity of key sex hormones directly depends on SHBG concentration.
SHBG testing is indicated in cases of infertility, in women with menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and in men with erectile dysfunction. It is usually assessed in combination with total testosterone and other reproductive hormones.
When and who needs the test?
- Identification of causes of infertility.
- Detection of causes of menstrual cycle disorders.
- Investigation of clinical signs of androgen deficiency in men.
- Assessment of free testosterone levels using the Free Testosterone Index (FTI): total testosterone / SHBG × 100
- Presence of clinical signs of hyperandrogenism or hypoandrogenism despite normal testosterone levels.
- Identification of causes of clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne, alopecia, seborrhea).
- Investigation of causes of androgen deficiency symptoms in men. Monitoring SHBG synthesis during treatment with drugs affecting its production (androgens, estrogens, progesterone, thyroid hormones).
Biological material
- Venous blood
Preparing for a blood test
In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules:
- an important condition for laboratory tests is to take blood on an empty stomach.
- 6-12 hours before the test, you should avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, and limit physical activity. Drinking...
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