How SHBG Affects Testosterone and Ways to Lower It Naturally

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a crucial protein that regulates testosterone and estrogen in the body. It plays a pivotal role in hormone homeostasis, affecting everything from muscle growth to mood stability. For those looking to optimize their health and achieve hormonal balance, it is important to understand how SHBG affects testosterone and how to lower SHBG naturally, if warranted.

This guide delves into the complexities of SHBG, explores its relationship with testosterone, and provides actionable strategies for managing SHBG levels effectively.

What is Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)?

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced primarily by the liver. It functions as a regulator and transporter for sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. By binding to these hormones, SHBG controls their levels in the body by taking them to specific tissues and removing excess from the bloodstream. SHBG also plays a role, albeit less than testosterone, in building and maintaining muscle in the body.

The Relationship Between SHBG and Testosterone

SHBG binds greedily and tightly to free testosterone, rendering it inactive and reducing its availability for use. Free testosterone is crucial for various functions, including muscle growth, mood stabilization, and consistent daily energy levels.

Albumin is another transporter of testosterone. It also reduces free testosterone in the bloodstream, but it does not bind as tightly as SHBG.

The relationship between SHBG and testosterone is best understood through the following simplified equation:

Total Testosterone - (SHBG + Albumin) = Free Testosterone

As SHBG levels increase, the amount of free testosterone decreases, which can lead to symptoms of low testosterone. This situation can occur even when total testosterone levels appear normal to high, underscoring the importance of considering both free and bound testosterone levels when assessing hormonal health.

“Total Testosterone - (SHBG + Albumin) = Free Testosterone”

High SHBG: Implications and Causes

What Does High SHBG Mean?

When SHBG levels are elevated, it can significantly impact the amount of free testosterone available in the body. High SHBG often reduces libido, while increasing fatigue, irritability, and difficulty building lean muscle mass. Professionals in men’s health clinics generally consider SHBG levels above 30-50 nm/L as indicative of reduced free testosterone availability, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and associated symptoms.

Common Causes of High SHBG Levels

Several factors can contribute to elevated SHBG levels, including:

• Medications: Certain medications, such as contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies, can increase SHBG levels.

• Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can lead to higher SHBG production.

• Growth Hormone: Growth hormone (GH) levels can impact SHBG

• High Estrogen: Estrogen has been shown to raise SHBG levels, impacting testosterone availability.

• Liver Disorders: Since SHBG is produced in the liver, liver health directly affects SHBG levels.

• Natural Aging: SHBG levels naturally increase with age, particularly in men.

• Malnutrition: Poor nutrition and malabsorption issues can impact hormone levels.

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: High alcohol intake can impair liver function and raise SHBG levels.

Identifying these underlying causes is essential for addressing elevated SHBG levels effectively.

High Estrogen

Estradiol (a form of estrogen) is a vital hormone for men. It helps protect the heart and bones, as well as helps to balance mood and libido. The liver may produce more SHBG if estrogen levels rise. Generally, if estrogen increases, SHBG will increase, and as a result, free testosterone will decrease.

Injection Frequency

Infrequent injections of testosterone can cause SHBG to increase due to a disproportionate increase of estrogen. Injecting testosterone more frequently can help balance estrogen and keep SHBG levels under control. By splitting your total weekly dose into smaller twice-weekly, three-times-weekly, or even daily injections (known as micro-dosing), it is possible to lower SHBG. Increasing your testosterone injection frequency may be the most effective method to lower SHBG naturally. This approach can also help minimize side effects such as acne, hair loss, and prostate enlargement, which are sometimes associated with higher testosterone levels, especially in older individuals.

“Increasing your testosterone injection frequency may be the most efficacious method to lower SHBG naturally.”

How to Lower SHBG Naturally

Dietary Changes

Adopting a balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to manage SHBG levels naturally. Reducing the intake of simple sugars and alcohol can significantly improve liver function, which in turn helps regulate SHBG production. Focusing on nutrient-dense foods and ensuring adequate protein intake can support hormonal balance. Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, also play a role in maintaining proper hormone levels.

Over-dieting can raise SHBG. If you are over-dieting, throwing a few hundred quality calories back into your daily intake may help resolve high SHBG. Eating more calories, resulting in lower SHBG, will increase free testosterone levels, aiding in weight management and muscle building. 

Lifestyle Adjustments

Lifestyle plays a significant role in managing SHBG and overall hormonal health. Regular exercise, including resistance training and cardiovascular workouts, has been shown to help lower SHBG levels. Adequate sleep is another critical factor; poor or insufficient sleep can elevate cortisol levels, indirectly impacting SHBG and testosterone.

A Win-Win: Supplementation

Specific vitamins and minerals can support hormonal balance and help regulate SHBG levels. Supplements such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, and vitamin D affect hormone metabolism and can promote a healthier hormonal profile. Additionally, herbal supplements like ashwagandha and fenugreek have been studied for their potential effects on testosterone and SHBG levels.

Diindolylmethane (DIM)

One effective supplement for reducing estrogen levels and managing SHBG production is Diindolylmethane (DIM). This natural compound, derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale, is widely available in most health stores. However, before starting DIM supplementation, it's essential to have your blood work done to determine if elevated estrogen is contributing to high SHBG levels. DIM is quite potent and, in some cases, can lower estradiol levels below standard laboratory reference ranges, so it's crucial to use it under proper guidance.

Tongkat Ali

Another supplement that may lower SHBG is Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), a medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia. It is often touted for its benefits in enhancing testosterone levels and is also known to lower Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG).

Tongkat Ali contains various bioactive compounds, such as quassinoids (i.e., eurycomanone), that may help modulate hormonal balance. By promoting the release of bound testosterone from SHBG, Tongkat Ali potentially increases free testosterone levels in the bloodstream. It may also help in lowering estrogen levels. Since SHBG also binds to estrogen, a reduction in estrogen could decrease SHBG levels, indirectly increasing free testosterone levels. Tongkat Ali has adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress and reduce cortisol. It can potentially lower cortisol and contribute to less SHBG production.

Aromatase Inhibitors (such as Anastrazole)

In some cases, medications such as aromatase inhibitors may be recommended to manage SHBG levels effectively. These medications help regulate estrogen and testosterone balance, which can indirectly affect SHBG. However, this is quite individualized, and a healthcare practitioner should be consulted to determine the most suitable plan for each person’s health needs.

Low SHBG: Implications and Causes

What Does Low SHBG Mean?

On the flip side, low SHBG levels can also disrupt hormonal balance, affecting testosterone availability for muscle building, mood regulation, and libido. Due to the increased availability of free hormones, low SHBG can result in symptoms such as oily skin, acne, and sleep disturbances.

Common Causes of Low SHBG Levels

Some common reasons for decreased SHBG levels include:

• Hypothyroidism: An under-active thyroid can lead to reduced SHBG production.

• Exogenous Hormone Use: External hormone use, such as anabolic steroids, can lower SHBG.

• Diabetes: Insulin resistance and diabetes can impact SHBG production.

• Genetics: Genetic predispositions can also play a role in determining SHBG levels.

Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing hormonal imbalances and restoring optimal health. Both high and low SHBG levels require a nuanced approach for effective management.

Low SHBG can also indicate underlying health issues that may require attention. For instance, conditions such as hypothyroidism or liver disorders can lead to decreased SHBG levels, which in turn can exacerbate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. Additionally, individuals with diabetes or those using exogenous hormones may experience fluctuations in SHBG that can complicate their overall hormonal health. Understanding the root causes of low SHBG is crucial, as addressing these underlying conditions can help restore balance and improve overall well-being.

How to Increase SHBG Naturally

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

Primarily known as a pregnancy hormone, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) can influence thyroid function and intra-testicular testosterone production enough to increase estrogen and SHBG. Dosing 1000 iU three times weekly can help restore balance, followed by a maintenance dosing of 250 iU two to three times weekly. While HCG is a powerful add-on to a TRT program, the pros and cons need to be discussed with your practitioner. Balancing SHBG, estrogen, and testosterone will help restore libido and mood balance.

Turkesterone and Ecdysterone

Turkesterone and Ecdysterone are touted (controversially) as natural anabolic agents. These act like estrogen in the body and, therefore, increase SHBG. However, despite working like an estrogen, it does not cause water gain or gynecomastia. Anecdotally, it is reported that ecdysterone can aid in wound recovery and help add muscle. Using between 300 and 600 mg daily seems to help increase SHBG.

Fasting:

Fasting has been shown to increase SHBG for quick results. While on a strict diet, it’s not uncommon to see an increase in SHBG. One to two days of fasting seems to be optimal for restoring SHBG levels. Refer to our section above on over-dieting.

Final Thoughts on SHBG

Understanding sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and its impact is essential for anyone looking to optimize their hormonal health while on testosterone therapy. The concept of "sex hormone binding globulin testosterone" interaction is critical in understanding how these proteins regulate free testosterone levels. By being aware of the factors that influence SHBG levels—such as diet, lifestyle, and medication—individuals can take proactive steps to manage SHBG effectively.

Whether your goal is to enhance muscle growth, improve mood, or achieve better overall health, knowing how to lower SHBG naturally can have significant benefits. Exploring dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and supplementation can enhance well-being and hormonal balance.

As you embark on your journey toward balanced hormones, remember that each body is unique. Consulting healthcare professionals and regularly monitoring hormone levels will help you tailor the right approach to your needs. By taking control of your SHBG levels, whether high or low, you can unlock your body's full potential and pave the way for lasting health and vitality.

FAQs about SHBG

How does SHBG affect testosterone levels?

SHBG binds to testosterone in the blood, reducing the amount of free testosterone available for use by the body. High SHBG levels can lead to lower free testosterone, impacting muscle growth, mood, and libido.

What causes high SHBG levels?

Medications, liver disorders, hyperthyroidism, estrogen therapy, natural aging, malnutrition, and excessive alcohol consumption can cause high SHBG levels.

Can diet help lower SHBG?

A balanced diet that reduces simple sugars and alcohol can improve liver function and help lower SHBG levels, thereby improving hormonal balance.

What supplements can help manage SHBG levels?

Magnesium, zinc, calcium, and vitamin D contain herbal supplements like ashwagandha and fenugreek, which can support hormonal health and help manage SHBG levels. Managing estrogen levels is crucial to managing SHBG, and supplements such as DIM can help control estrogen levels.

How does testosterone therapy affect SHBG?

Testosterone therapy can alter SHBG levels. Adjusting the dosage or frequency of testosterone injections may help balance SHBG and testosterone levels.

Is it possible to have low SHBG and still have hormonal imbalance symptoms?

Yes, low SHBG can result in too much free testosterone, leading to symptoms such as oily skin, acne, and sleep disturbances. Balancing SHBG levels is essential for optimal hormonal health.

This article is intended as an educational and does not constitute medical advice.

Resources:

• Endocrine Society on Hormones