--- title: SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Test type: test id: shbg url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/shbg-sex-hormone-binding-globulin" price_usd: 34.99 lab_fee_usd: 6 all_in_usd: 40.99 cpt: 84270 category: Hormones sample: Blood draw fasting_required: false results_in: "1–3 business days" labs: - Quest - Labcorp - BioReference orderable: true reviewed_at: 2026-09-14 order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/cart?add=shbg-sex-hormone-binding-globulin&utm_source=ai_agent&utm_medium=markdown" --- # SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Test > Measures the protein that carries testosterone and estrogen — essential for interpreting hormone levels, measured from a standard blood draw. At TestWell it costs $34.99 plus a $6 lab fee, needs no fasting, and results post in 1–3 business days. Physician-authorized with no doctor's visit or insurance needed; draw at Quest or Labcorp. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Price | $34.99 + $6 lab processing fee per order ($40.99 all-in for this test alone) | | CPT code | 84270 | | Sample | Blood draw | | Fasting | Not required | | Results | 1–3 business days | | Labs | Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, BioReference (NY & NJ) | | Biomarkers measured | 1 | | Physician authorization | Included — no doctor's visit, referral or insurance needed | | Payment | Card, HSA or FSA; cash-pay only (no insurance billing) | ## What does the SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) test tell you? Measures the protein that carries testosterone and estrogen — essential for interpreting hormone levels. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by the liver that binds to testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol, controlling how much of these hormones is available for your body to use. Measuring SHBG is critical for accurately interpreting total testosterone and estrogen levels, since only the unbound ('free') hormone is biologically active. Low SHBG is associated with insulin resistance and PCOS, while high SHBG can mask adequate total hormone levels. **Clinical use:** Sex Hormone Binding Globulin — protein that binds and inactivates ~98% of circulating testosterone and estradiol. Critical for interpreting hormone levels (high SHBG = low bioavailable hormone even at normal total levels). ## Who should order it? Men with normal Total T but symptoms of low T, women with hirsutism or PCOS workups, anyone evaluating thyroid impact on hormone bioavailability, or athletes/anti-aging users tracking hormone optimization. ## Biomarkers measured - [SHBG](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/shbg) ## Price by lab | Lab | Test price | All-in (with $6 fee) | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Quest Diagnostics | $34.99 | $40.99 | Choose at checkout; walk-in patient service centers nationwide (not NY/NJ) | | Labcorp | $34.99 | $40.99 | Choose at checkout; walk-in patient service centers nationwide (not NY/NJ) | | BioReference (NY & NJ) | $29.99 | $35.99 | New York and New Jersey orders route here automatically | Rhode Island is not served. Prices are identical online and in the lab; no draw fee or physician fee is added. ## How much does a SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) test cost? A SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) test costs $34.99 at TestWell — $40.99 all-in when ordered alone, because the $6 lab processing fee is charged once per order, with no draw fee or physician fee added. Hospital outpatient labs typically bill around $120.00 self-pay for the same test, and often more. With insurance, what you pay depends on your deductible and your plan's negotiated rate; TestWell's price is fixed before the draw and is HSA/FSA-eligible. | Where you order | Price | One test, all-in | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | TestWell (drawn at Quest or Labcorp) | $34.99 | $40.99 | Includes the one $6 lab processing fee, charged once per order | | Hospital outpatient lab, self-pay (typical) | $120.00 | $120.00 | Reference figure; hospital charges vary widely by facility and are often higher | Lab test codes: Quest test code 30740 · Labcorp test no. 082016 · BioReference code 0658-5. ## How do you prepare? No fasting required. Best drawn in the morning when hormone levels are most stable. ## Related conditions - [Hypogonadism](https://www.test-well.com/conditions/low-testosterone) (E29.1) - [Polycystic ovary syndrome](https://www.test-well.com/conditions/pcos) (E28.2) - [Hyperthyroidism](https://www.test-well.com/conditions/thyroid-problems) (E05.90) - Insulin resistance (E88.81) ## Common questions about the SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) test ### Why measure SHBG? SHBG binds testosterone tightly and inactivates it. High SHBG → low bioavailable testosterone even with normal Total T (symptomatic low T despite 'normal' labs). Low SHBG → more bioavailable hormone (sometimes used to explain PCOS androgen symptoms or insulin resistance). SHBG also reflects thyroid status and liver health. ### How much does an SHBG test cost without insurance? TestWell charges $34.99 — vs $49 at Quest Direct and $80-$200 at endocrinology clinics. ### Do I need to fast? No fasting required. Morning draw recommended for consistency with simultaneous testosterone measurement. ### What's a normal SHBG level? Men: 16-55 nmol/L. Women (pre-menopausal): 27-128 nmol/L. Post-menopausal: 17-125 nmol/L. High SHBG (>60 in men): often from hyperthyroidism, liver disease, anorexia, or aging. Low SHBG (<16 in men): obesity, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism. ### Should I add SHBG to a testosterone test? Yes if Free T is low but Total T is normal — high SHBG is the most common explanation. Our [Testosterone Free & Total](https://www.test-well.com/tests/testosterone-free-and-total) already calculates free T from Total + SHBG when both are ordered. ## How to order 1. Add to cart: https://www.test-well.com/cart?add=shbg-sex-hormone-binding-globulin&utm_source=ai_agent&utm_medium=markdown 2. Create an account or sign in, confirm your state and preferred lab, pay by card, HSA or FSA. 3. A licensed physician authorizes the order (usually within minutes); the requisition arrives by email. 4. Walk into any Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, BioReference (NY & NJ) patient service center — no appointment needed at most sites. 5. Results post to your TestWell portal in 1–3 business days with reference ranges and flags. ## Related - [Blood Tests for Men's Health](https://www.test-well.com/guides/blood-tests-for-mens-health) - [PCOS Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/pcos-panel) — 9 tests · $240.99 - [Erectile Dysfunction Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/erectile-dysfunction-panel) — 7 tests · $114.99 - [Men's Hormone Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/mens-hormone-panel) — 7 tests · $199.99 - [Adiponectin](https://www.test-well.com/tests/adiponectin) — $36.99 - [Aldosterone](https://www.test-well.com/tests/aldosterone-test) — $61.99 - [Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Profile](https://www.test-well.com/tests/antidiuretic-hormone-profile) — $109.99 - [Cortisol](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cortisol-labcorp) — $32.99 - [Cortisol (AM)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cortisol-am) — $26.99 - [All Hormones tests](https://www.test-well.com/tests/category/hormones) - [Full test directory](https://www.test-well.com/tests/directory) --- Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-14. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/tests/shbg-sex-hormone-binding-globulin Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.