What is SHBG? / High & low SHBG symptoms / How to reduce its level?

SHBG is a protein that binds sex hormones, mainly androgens, i.a.: testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstenediol but also estradiol (E2), and estrone (E1). It does so to regulate the bioavailability of the mentioned sex hormones and transport them through the blood to provide them where they are needed in the body. The sex hormone-binding globulin is mainly produced in the liver (but also in kidneys, brain, ovaries, prostate, breasts, and testicles) via stimulation of thyroid hormones and estrogens.


When the levels of SHBG are high, it decreases the bioavailability of androgens, making them "inactive." This means that even if there is a high concentration of testosterone in the blood, it may not have any positive effects on the body. To determine if this is the case, it is necessary to examine free testosterone levels (not bound by SHBG) and SHBG, especially if you have already determined that you have high testosterone levels but do not experience any benefits or have low testosterone side effects.

High SHBG side effects are commonly associated with low testosterone-like symptoms:
- androgen receptors disorders
- infertility
- decreased sex drive
- erectile dysfunctions
- decreased body hair growth
- the high pitch of the voice
- breast growth
- reduced the size of testicles
- decreased muscle mass
- lack of motivation
- Alzheimer's disease

(women)
- firmly reduced muscle mass
- irregular periods
- depression
- reduced motivation
- vaginal dryness
- low sex drive
- Alzheimer's disease

In men's bodies, low SHBG levels should not induce "undesired" side effects. However, low SHBG level leads to:
- excessive muscle mass gains
- voice deepening
- increased body hair growth

Rarely very low SHBG may also lead to:
- increased aggression
- acne
- baldness
- infertility
- erectile dysfunctions

Remember that the level of SHBG determine optimal testosterone dose on on AAS cycle or TRT. Its low level will lead to the faster metabolism of hormones, while high level may cause excessive low testosterone doses inssuficient.

Disbalance (mainly increase) of SHBG levels may be triggered via high estrogen/thyroid levels. Regular alcohol consumption and following liver disorders will also lead to increased SHBG levels.

How to reduce SHBG levels?
Its level may be reduced via:

diet:
- rich in carbohydrates and calcium

training:
- heavy weights lifting
- intense full-body physical exercises

supplementation:
- boron
- zinc
- calcium
- vitamin D
- omega 3 acids
- magnesium
- ashwagandha
- tongkat ali

use of several compounds like:
- aromatase inhibitors (e.g. exemestane)
- SERMs (e.g. tamoxifen)
- most of DHT derivatives (e.g. stanozolol, masteron, mesterolone)