SHBGAndrogenPCOS

The Role of SHBG: How Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Affects Free Testosterone

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Florya Medical Team

April 16, 2026 • 5 min read

"Total testosterone might be normal, but you still have acne and hair growth? The missing piece is Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)."

Think of SHBG as a 'hormone sponge.' It mops up testosterone so it's inactive. When SHBG is low, you have more 'Free' active testosterone causing symptoms.

Low SHBG is a key marker for PCOS. liver production of SHBG is highly sensitive to insulin; high insulin resistance slows SHBG production.

This creates a storm: high insulin tells ovaries to make more testosterone and the liver to make less SHBG, flooding your system with active androgens.

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