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Choose collection locationHormones & Fertility · Individual laboratory test
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
SHBG is a protein that carries sex hormones in the bloodstream. It helps explain why a total testosterone result may differ from the amount available to tissues.
Price for this test on its ownAED 170Test price AED 70
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test measure?
Also called Hormone Transport Protein
SHBG can clarify a hormone assessment when symptoms and total testosterone appear inconsistent. Liver and thyroid conditions and some medicines influence binding proteins.
When it may be requested
Interpreting total testosterone
SHBG influences the amount of testosterone that circulates bound to protein.
Investigating an unexpected mismatch
Levels can help explain why a total hormone concentration and symptoms appear inconsistent.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
SHBG itself usually does not need fasting. When a testosterone measurement accompanies it, follow the timing for that draw. Mention hormone medicines and thyroid or liver treatment.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideSex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Reading your result
A change in SHBG affects how much hormone is bound in blood. The level is interpreted alongside total or free sex hormones as appropriate.
What can affect it
- SHBG does not directly measure testosterone production.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testSex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Review SHBG alongside the total hormone value that prompted testing. Ask whether a free hormone assessment would add useful information.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
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Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Why would SHBG be checked with testosterone?
When binding protein levels change, the same total testosterone can correspond to different free hormone levels. The two results help resolve that discrepancy.
What could make SHBG higher than expected?
An overactive thyroid, some liver conditions and oestrogen-containing medicines can raise SHBG. Tell your clinician about these and bring your testosterone result if you have one. More binding protein can change the amount of free testosterone even when total testosterone is in range.
Why is my SHBG low?
The most frequent explanations are excess body weight and insulin resistance, which both reduce how much of the protein the liver makes. An underactive thyroid and any androgen exposure, including testosterone therapy, do the same. Your doctor will look at the result in the context of your weight, thyroid tests and medications.
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Your next step
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.