What do the results mean?If your results show your SHBG levels are too low, it may mean the protein is not attaching itself to enough testosterone. This allows more unattached testosterone to be available in your system. It may cause too much testosterone to go to your body's tissues.If your SHBG levels are too high, it may mean the protein is attaching itself to too much testosterone. So less of the hormone is available, and your tissues may be not be getting enough testosterone.If your SHBG levels are too low, it can be a sign of:Hypothyroidism, a condition in which your body doesn't make enough thyroid hormonesType 2 diabetesOveruse of steroid medicationsCushing's syndrome, a condition in which your body makes too much of a hormone called cortisolFor men, it can mean cancer of the testicles or adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and help control heart rate, blood pressure, and other bodily functions.For women, it can mean polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common hormone disorder affecting childbearing women. It is one of the leading causes of female infertility.If your SHBG levels are too high, it can be a sign of:Liver diseaseHyperthyroidism, a condition in which your body makes too much thyroid hormoneEating disordersFor men, it can mean a problem with the testicles or pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is located beneath the brain and controls many body functions.For women, it can mean problem with the pituitary gland, or Addison disease. Addison disease is a disorder in which the adrenal glands are not able to make enough of certain hormones.Your health care provider may order additional tests such as total testosterone or estrogen tests to help make a diagnosis. If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
