Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is the primary protein which sequesters androgens and estrogens, leaving them unavailable to exert their actions. Elevated levels of SHBG can be the result of excess estrogen, lack of carbohydrate intake, liver issues, and is generally seen in aging. Low levels of SHBG can be indicative of hypothyroidism and stress, and is a risk for several diseases including cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

The thyroid hormones govern metabolism, or the body’s energy production. Poor thyroid function be caused by and can contribute to stress. Stress inhibits thyroid hormone production and utilization, and the stress systems tend to take over to compensate for low thyroid function. Thyroid function is vital for maintaining gut health, too. Thyroid hormones govern the growth and proliferation of the cells in the gut, and promote gut motility, support the immune system, and enhance digestive enzyme and stomach acid secretion. Low thyroid function is common in aging and several chronic and age related diseases, as energy metabolism is what fundamentally maintains the structure and function of every cell, tissue and organ system in the body.