SHBG: Importance,Causes And More
The glycoprotein known as sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) attaches to and moves about androgens and estrogens in the blood.
It is primarily produced in the liver and is regulated by a number of factors, including sex hormones, growth hormones, insulin, and thyroid hormones.
SHBG levels are generally higher in women than in men and tend to decline with age in both sexes.
SHBG has a number of important functions in the body, including regulating the distribution and activity of sex hormones, affecting brain function and behavior, and playing a role in metabolism and fertility.
Abnormalities in SHBG levels have been associated with several health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.
In this article, we will get an overview of SHBG, its functions, and its potential implications for health.
Some of the importance of SHBG include:
- SHBG binds to testosterone and estradiol, two sex hormones.
- SHBG levels could affect how much testosterone and estradiol are available to the body.
- High SHBG levels may lead to low testosterone levels.
- Low SHBG levels could lead to high testosterone levels.
- SHBG levels could affect fertility in both men and women.
- SHBG levels could affect sex drive in both men and women.
- SHBG levels may be affected by age, weight, liver disease, and certain medications.
Factors That Affect Your Usual SHBG Levels
There are many factors that could impact your normal levels of SHBG. The most typical are listed below:
- Age: SHBG levels could decrease with age.
- Gender: Women generally have higher levels of SHBG than men.
- Hormone levels: Changes in hormone levels could impact SHBG levels.
- Medications: Some medications, such as birth control pills, could affect SHBG levels.
- Disease: Some diseases, such as liver disease, could impact SHBG levels.
What Disorders Are Caused By Abnormal SHBG Levels?
When you have low SHBG, the following disorders are caused:
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the hormone Thyroid. There are a lot of symptoms that might result from this, such as sadness, weight gain, and weariness.
Low SHBG levels could cause Hypothyroidism by making it difficult for the thyroid gland to produce Thyroid.
Cushing’s Syndrome
When the body creates excessive amounts of the hormone cortisol, Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal condition, results. The glands in the adrenal cortex create the steroid hormone cortisol. It helps to regulate metabolism, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
Cushing’s syndrome could be caused by a number of different things, including tumors, medications, and stress.
One of the less well-known causes of Cushing’s syndrome is low levels of the hormone SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin).
When SHBG levels are low, it may lead to an increase in testosterone and estrogen. This could then lead to the development of Cushing’s syndrome.
Type II Diabetes
Type II diabetes is a serious condition that could lead to a number of health complications if it is not managed properly. One of the main causes of Type II diabetes is low levels of SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin).
When levels of SHBG are low, it could lead to an increase in the levels of testosterone and estrogen hormones, which could then lead to Type II diabetes.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
When SHBG levels are too low, it could cause a hormonal imbalance that could lead to a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is a prevalent disorder that affects women who are ready to have children. It is characterized by a number of symptoms, including irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and weight gain. PCOS could also cause fertility problems.
Testicular Cancer
Low levels of SHBG could lead to high levels of testosterone, which has been linked to an increased risk for testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that affects the testicles, and the male reproductive organs that produce sperm. Young men are more likely than older men to develop testicular cancer.
Androgen Deficiency
Low levels of SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) may cause androgen deficiency, which could lead to a variety of health problems.
Androgens are hormones that play a vital role in the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics. They are also involved in other important processes, such as bone growth, muscle development, and fat metabolism.
When you have high SHBG, the following disorders are caused:
Pituitary Problems
High levels of SHBG could cause problems with the pituitary gland, which is responsible for a number of important functions in the body, including hormone production.
Pituitary problems may lead to a number of serious health issues, so it’s important to keep SHBG levels in check.
Addison’s Disease
High levels of SHBG could cause a decrease in testosterone levels, which may lead to the development of Addison’s disease.
When levels of SHBG are too high, testosterone and other hormones couldn’t bind to it and are unable to function properly. This may lead to a number of different symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and darkening of the skin.
Final Remark
In conclusion, SHBG is a protein that helps to regulate levels of hormones in the blood. It is essential for maintaining a healthy balance of hormones but could be difficult to maintain levels of SHBG within the normal range.
There are a variety of factors that could contribute to abnormal SHBG levels, and it is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.