From the Guidelines
Obesity is a major factor that lowers Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) levels, as evidenced by studies showing that men with obesity have lower SHBG levels compared to those without obesity 1. Several factors can contribute to lowering SHBG levels, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight, as obesity is associated with lower SHBG levels 1
- Reducing carbohydrate intake, which can help balance insulin levels and affect SHBG 1
- Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, to stimulate muscle growth and hormone production 1
- Managing stress through techniques like meditation or yoga, to optimize overall hormone balance 1
- Considering supplements like boron (3-10 mg daily) and magnesium (200-400 mg daily), which may help lower SHBG, although their effectiveness is not well-established 1
- Certain medications, such as danazol or stanozolol, which can lower SHBG but require a prescription and medical supervision 1 It's essential to note that drastically lowering SHBG isn't always beneficial, as it plays a crucial role in hormone regulation. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or starting new supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions. In patients with chronic liver disease, SHBG levels may rise due to increased estrogen levels, but ultimately decline with disease progression 1. Additionally, men with diabetes may have lower SHBG levels due to obesity and insulin resistance, and screening for hypogonadism may be necessary in these patients 1.
From the Research
Factors that Lower Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)
- Liver fat content is a strong determinant of circulating SHBG, rather than body mass index (BMI) 2
- Proinflammatory cytokines may downregulate SHBG production 2
- Hyperinsulinemia, often found in obesity, is traditionally thought to be a cause of low SHBG levels, although the exact mechanisms are not well understood 2
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that growth hormone (GH) or glucocorticosteroids directly lower SHBG levels, but GH therapy may have indirect effects on SHBG through its impact on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and metabolic parameters 3, 4, 5, 6
Related Hormonal Effects
- Growth hormone (GH) has various effects on the body, including modulation of metabolic pathways and regulation of reproductive functions 3
- GH therapy can increase IGF-1 levels, which may have anabolic effects on the body 4, 6
- Glucocorticosteroids can suppress GH levels and have catabolic effects on protein and bone metabolism 4, 6