SHBG – what do your numbers mean?
Have you had your SHBG level measured and are unsure what the numbers mean? Here's a clear explanation of the normal range, what a high or low level can indicate, and when it makes sense to get tested.
What is the normal range for SHBG?
What is the normal range for SHBG?
The normal range for SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) varies depending on age, sex, and laboratory method. For women, the reference interval is typically between 20-150 nmol/L for the 20-40 age group, while for men in the same age group, it is between 13-58 nmol/L. In children and the elderly, values can be higher or lower. SHBG levels are affected by sex hormones, with estrogens increasing and androgens decreasing the concentration. Values close to the boundary areas can indicate hormonal imbalances, and it is important to assess them in conjunction with clinical symptoms and other blood tests.
What does a low level mean?
A low level of SHBG can indicate increased androgenic effects, as seen in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Symptoms can include increased hair growth (hirsutism), acne, and irregular menstruation in women. In men, it may be associated with reduced testosterone activity. Low SHBG can also be caused by hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, or the use of certain medications such as anabolic steroids. It is recommended to consult a doctor for further investigation and treatment if the SHBG level is low.
What does a high level mean?
A high level of SHBG can be due to conditions such as hyperthyroidism, liver cirrhosis, elevated estrogen production, or certain medications such as estrogens and thyroid hormones. Symptoms can vary, but in men, it can lead to reduced biological testosterone activity, which may result in fatigue, decreased libido, and muscle weakness. In women, it may be related to hormonal imbalances. If the SHBG level is elevated, one should seek medical advice to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Get your SHBG level tested
At Celto, you can order a blood test for SHBG directly online – without a doctor's referral and without a long waiting time. We have over 34 blood sample collection sites at public hospitals throughout Denmark, and your samples are analyzed in the same accredited laboratories used by the rest of the healthcare system. You will receive your results directly on sundhed.dk, just like all other blood tests from the public system.
How it works
When you order a blood test from Celto, you choose which markers you want to have tested – no doctor's referral necessary. After your purchase, you will receive an email with a link to our booking system, where you choose the time and place. The blood sample itself is taken by authorized healthcare personnel and typically takes only a few minutes.
Where you can get tested
Celto has over 34 blood sample collection sites at public hospitals and clinics throughout Denmark. You choose the location that suits you best among our partners, and there are typically available appointments within a few days. Find your nearest blood sample collection site →
How to get your results
Your blood samples are analyzed in the same laboratories used by your own doctor and the rest of the healthcare system, with exactly the same quality and the same tests. You will receive your results directly on sundhed.dk within a few working days, and Celto will also send an easy-to-understand review of your values so you know what the numbers mean.