Test guide
SHBG Blood Test
An SHBG blood test measures the level of a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in a sample of your blood. SHBG is made mostly in your liver. It binds (attaches) to sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen and helps control how much of these hormones are active in your body.
What it is for
Measuring SHBG levels can provide information about how much of your testosterone is active in the tissues of your body. The results of this test can help your provider understand how testosterone is working in the body for: Usually, your provider will order a total testosterone blood test first. This test measures both free testosterone and testosterone attached to proteins such as SHBG. However, this test can't tell the difference between the two types. It can't tell your provider how much of your testosterone is free for your body to use . This means that you could have symptoms from too little or too much free testosterone even when your total testosterone level is normal. Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Medical test information is public domain. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Limitations
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also known as
- testosterone-estrogen binding globulin, TeBG
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