Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
This test is used to monitor SHBG levels which are under the positive control of estrogens and thyroid hormones, and suppressed by androgens. Decreased levels will be found in hirsutism, virilizaiton, obese postmenopausal women, and women with diffuse hair loss. Increased levels are present in hyperthyroidism, testicular feminization, cirrhosis, male hypogonadism, pregnancy, prepubertal children, and women using oral contraceptives.
