SHBG · low result
What does a low SHBG mean?
Short answer
Low SHBG is strongly associated with insulin resistance — excess weight, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, PCOS — and with hypothyroidism, anabolic steroid or testosterone use, and glucocorticoids. It raises free testosterone relative to total, which contributes to acne and hair growth in women with PCOS. Low SHBG is also an independent marker of future type 2 diabetes risk.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for SHBG?
- Male, age 18+: 16.5 – 55.9 nmol/L
- Female, age 18+: 24.6 – 122 nmol/L
Full reference table, citations and testing options: SHBG biomarker page.
What are the common causes of low SHBG?
- Insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver
- PCOS
- Hypothyroidism
- Androgens: testosterone therapy, anabolic steroids
- Glucocorticoids, progestins, growth hormone excess
What symptoms go with low SHBG?
- Women: acne, excess hair, irregular periods
- Men: often none; reflects metabolic risk
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Fasting insulin, A1c, lipid panel
- TSH
- Free testosterone to interpret hormone symptoms
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: Lipid Panel ($24.99), TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99).
How do you recheck SHBG?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Testosterone, Free & Total + SHBG | Test · 3 biomarkers | $69.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
Common questions
Is low SHBG bad?
It's a metabolic warning sign more than a problem in itself — it tracks insulin resistance and predicts diabetes risk. Weight, activity and blood-sugar improvements raise it.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.