what does sex hormone binding globulin - Men's Health Message Board

Wonderingwhy · 07-29-2003, 05:17 AM

HI, I'm a 19 year old male. I just recently underwent a bunch of blood tests because I feel like absolute crap and have no sex drive. On of the tests, sex hormone binding globulin came back abnormal. It was 9 on a scale of 13-71. Would this affect my sex drive? and what is sex hormone binding globulin? and oppinions would be greatly appreciated!

mfree1 · 07-29-2003, 08:11 AM

Wonderingwhy,
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) serves to regulate the hormone estrogen. If there is an excess of estrogen circulating in the body, SHBG fills in the "parking space" where the estrogen is supposed to go. If the body needs estrogen for some reason, the SHBG will "let go" and permit the estrogen to take its designated parking space.

The only thing I know about a low level of SHBG in men is that it is a risk factor for diabetes and it're related to obesity.

Wonderingwhy, I think you need to be talking with a hormone specialist, an endocrinologist (if you're not doing that already.)

Take care,

Mats.

orion · 07-29-2003, 10:31 AM

I think it's normal for your SHBG to be in the low range when you are 19. Normally SHBG binds testosterone so it isn't available in your blood. Low SHBG is what give such high testosterone reading for young males. So, I'm not sure your 9 reading is really abnormal. If you took the test again it might well be "normal" but it should be in the low end of the scale.

I assume your testosterone readings came back normal (high) like 600 or more? If they came back as 300 or so, then that is the source of your problem. Did you also have tests for diabetes, thyroid problems and prolactin? Do you have any other symptoms?