Globulin That Binds Sex Hormones - What Is It? The Norm In The Analysis Of Men And Women

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 02:10

Globulin that binds sex hormones - what is it?

In the body of men and women, a glycoprotein is present, which is responsible for the binding and transmission of sex hormones in the circulatory system. If we speak in understandable language for the reader, then this globulin acts as a route taxi for the sex hormones of men (androgens) and women (estrogens).

This globulin is designated in the analysis results as SHBG. In addition, the following abbreviations can be used:

• SHBG (Sex hormone-binding globulin).
• TeBG (Testosterone-estrogen-binding globulin).
• Sex globulin.
• ASH is an androgen-binding globulin.
• SSSG is a sex steroid-binding globulin.
• PSGS is a sex steroid-binding globulin.
• TESG - testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin.

This globulin, whatever its name, is produced in the liver. The rate and amount of globulin produced is influenced by the person's age, as well as the level of sex hormones in the blood. Estrogens increase its level, and androgens, on the contrary, reduce this figure.

Content:

• Normal values of SHBG levels in the blood of men and women
• Testosterone and SHBG
• SHBG and the health of the male reproductive system
• Reasons for increasing and decreasing SHBG
• Symptoms of high and low PSBG levels

Normal values of SHBG levels in the blood of men and women

In men, the globulin that binds sex hormones is two times less than in women. The analysis for this protein is carried out when a decrease in the level of androgens is found in a man. Women are advised to donate blood for SHBG when the amount of estrogen in the blood increases.

SHBG is determined by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or by IHLA (immunochemiluminescent analysis). The latest research is more recent.

The level of globulin that binds sex hormones can vary depending on the following factors:

• Human gender.
• The age of the person.
• The amount of sex hormones in the body.
• The presence or absence of obesity.
• The presence or absence of liver disease.
• Taking hormonal drugs.
• The quality of the functioning of the adrenal and thyroid glands, which also produce hormones.

When interpreting the results of the analyzes, it is required to be guided by the norms given in the table.

SHBG level in the blood:

Human age	Normal values for women in nmol / l	Normal values for men in nmol / l
Newborn period, breastfeeding period, age less than 2 years	No more than 97	No more than 64
2-4 years	27-110	33-135
4-6 years old	37-148	23-100
6-8 years old	20-114	30-121
8-10 years old	38-132	26-128
10-12 years old	21-150	16-112
12-14 years old	13-102	19-89
14-60 years old	13-71	18-114
70-70 years old	15-61	17-140
After 70 years	No more than 85	No more than 166

In childhood, the level of globulin carrying hormones is increased compared with adults. As a person ages, the amount of this globulin begins to grow again, which falls on the period of extinction of human sexual functions. In men, a similar situation is observed against the background of age-related androgenic insufficiency, in which the level of free testosterone begins to fall.

Testosterone and SHBG

Testosterone is called the main hormone in men. It is produced in the testes and testes from Ledwig cells. In women, testosterone is also present in the body, but normally, it is very little. It is produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries. Also, testosterone in humans in small amounts appears as a result of metabolic processes between corticosteroids.

Testosterone is responsible for the formation of sexual characteristics in adult men, for the formation of genitals in a male fetus, for the normal orientation of a person. After the onset of puberty, this main hormone of the male body ensures its sexual functions, makes it possible to continue its race.

The following transformations can occur with testosterone in the blood:

• Approximately 2% of free testosterone is always present in human blood. It binds to receptors that are found in the cells of target tissues. Then enzymes act on it, and testosterone is transformed into dihydrotestosterone, which has a pronounced effect on the body.
• A small amount of testosterone binds to other blood proteins, such as albumin or globulin, which is responsible for binding to cortisol. If the level of SHBG falls for any reason, then it is these compounds that provide the transport of the hormone to the desired cells. It should be noted that the connection of testosterone with albumin and other proteins (except SHBG) is not strong.
• The main transport function of testosterone to target cells is performed by globulin that binds sex hormones. Such a connection is stable and most reliable.

All testosterone that is present in human blood (unbound, associated with SHBG or other globulins and proteins) is total testosterone. After the testosterone molecule attaches to the carrier substance, it loses its activity, but is not destroyed. Free testosterone and bound testosterone in the blood balance each other, since both forms contain biologically active substances. In general, bound and free testosterone is referred to as bioavailable testosterone.

Since testosterone performs significant functions in the human body, SHBG is considered a very important globulin. He is directly involved in the transport function of androgens, providing a normal human hormonal background.

SHBG and the health of the male reproductive system

SHBG is responsible for the balance of androgens in a man's body. If necessary, he takes over the surplus of free testosterone. The level of sex hormone binding globulin affects the level of available testosterone in the blood.

SHBG regulates not only testosterone levels in the male body, but also estrogens. They are produced in men very little, while about 20% of the total amount of estrogen is transferred by SHBG. The situation with hormones is somewhat different in men over the age of 60. They have more female sex hormones in their blood, but SHBG does not take them over, since it is mainly engaged in the transport of testosterone.

SHBG defines men's health. Its level is influenced by the age of a man, since at different periods of life, the amount of sex hormones in the blood differs.

In addition to SHBG and testosterone, the sexual health of men is influenced by another indicator - the free androgen index (ISA). It characterizes the level of biologically active substance or free testosterone in the blood. To determine its indicator, you must use the following formula: total testosterone in nmol / l should be divided by globulin that binds sex hormones in nmol / l and multiplied by 100% (_total T: SHBG x 100% = ISA).

Normally, the level of ISA in healthy men should be 50%. If this value is below this limit, then hypogonadism or chronic inflammatory processes in the prostate gland should be suspected. Also, the level of ISA in men in old age decreases, which is associated with a reduced activity of sexual functions.

The SHBG level is of great importance in the detection of various diseases of the reproductive system. This analysis is prescribed as an auxiliary study in determining the level of total testosterone in the blood, when calculating the level of ISA.

Reasons for increasing and decreasing SHBG

If the level of globulin carrying sex hormones decreases or increases, then this is reflected in the state of the hormonal background as a whole. This situation cannot go unnoticed.

If SHBG is elevated, then this will promote the growth of prostate tissue, which entails the risks of the formation of cancerous tumors.

Diseases that can lead to an increase in SHBG levels:

• Hepatitis.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• HIV.

In women, during gestation, the level of this hormone can also be increased, but this is a variant of the norm.

Pathologies in which PSBG can be lowered:

• Nephrotic syndrome, in which proteins are excreted by the kidneys in large volumes.
• Collagen diseases.
• Itsenko-Cushing's disease.
• High levels of male sex hormones in the female body.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Hypothyroidism
• Benign neoplasms of the pituitary gland.
• Type II diabetes mellitus.

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus increases with a drop in PSBG levels. An additional factor contributing to the manifestation of the disease is the pathology of the pancreas. In this case, it does not matter whether such violations occur in a woman's body or in a man's body.

Symptoms of high and low PSBG levels

If a person's level of PSBG decreases or increases in the body, then this will be characterized by the following symptoms:

• Sexual Disorders.
• Increased fatigue and weakness.
• Depressive moods, excessive irritability and aggressiveness.
• Inattention.
• Hot flashes.
• Increased fragility of bone tissue.
• If diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, the body will be less able to absorb insulin.
• Dramatic weight loss or obesity.
• Deterioration of the body's natural defenses.
• Hair loss, oily dandruff and acne.
• Violation of the menstrual cycle.
• The growth of the mammary glands in a man.

If a man discovers similar symptoms, then he should consult a doctor. The doctor will prescribe tests that will assess the patient's hormonal balance. An andrologist should be engaged in the diagnosis of "male diseases", if there is no opportunity to contact such a narrow specialist, then you should visit an endocrinologist or urologist. Women need to visit a gynecologist.

Analysis to determine the level of SHBG is assigned to the following categories of citizens:

• People who cannot conceive a child.
• Men suffering from impotence at a young age.
• For women suffering from menstrual irregularities.
• Women who have male pattern hair growth.
• For men of age, during the period of extinction of sexual functions.

Special preparation for donating blood to determine the level of SHBG is not required. Blood is taken in the morning. The maximum concentration of the hormone in the blood is observed between 8-11 am. It is not recommended to smoke, worry, overwork before the procedure. Donate blood on an empty stomach.

Video: about SHBG for men:

The author of the article: Shutov Maxim Evgenievich | Hematologist

Education: In 2013 he graduated from the Kursk State Medical University and received a diploma "General Medicine". After 2 years, completed residency in the specialty "Oncology". In 2016 completed postgraduate studies at the National Medical and Surgical Center named after N. I. Pirogov.