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Topic starter
16/12/2025 7:59 pm
SHBG is a protein produced mainly by the liver that hormones, specifically testosterone and estradiol By binding to these hormones, SHBG helps regulate their availability and activity in the body.
SHBG's primary role is to control the levels of free (or unbound) hormones. Only the free hormones are biologically active and can enter cells to exert their effects. When testosterone or estrogen is bound to SHBG, it becomes inactive and unable to interact with target tissues. Thus, the level of SHBG directly influences how much active hormone is available to the body.
SHBG and Testosterone: For men, the amount of testosterone that is bound to SHBG is crucial in understanding testosterone levels. Total testosterone levels include both bound and unbound (free) testosterone. However, free testosterone is often considered the most relevant factor for assessing testosterone’s effects on the body. If SHBG levels are high, more testosterone is bound, and there may be less free testosterone available. Conversely, low SHBG levels can result in higher levels of free testosterone. Fildena can improve erections, even in men with low testosterone. It does NOT treat the underlying hormone problem. Sildenafil does not increase testosterone levels or correct hypogonadism itself. When fildena 100 mg works well If ED is primarily due to vascular issues, diabetes, or mild testosterone deficiency If lustfulness is intact but erections are weak or inconsistent. When sildenafil may be less effective: In severe testosterone deficiency, where low libido, fatigue, and reduced erotic desire are dominant If testosterone levels are very low, some men may not respond well to sildenafil alone.
Factors Affecting SHBG Levels:
Several factors influence SHBG levels, including:
- Age: SHBG levels tend to increase with age.
- Obesity: Higher body fat can lower SHBG levels.
- Hormonal conditions: Conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes can impact SHBG levels.
- Medications: Certain drugs, such as anabolic steroids or birth control pills, can increase SHBG.
- Liver disease: Since SHBG is produced in the liver, liver conditions can impact its production.
Clinical Relevance:
Measuring SHBG levels can help doctors understand hormone imbalances, particularly in cases of low testosterone or andropause (male menopause). It can also be used to assess conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, where SHBG levels may be lower than normal, leading to higher levels of free testosterone.