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Do High SHBG Levels Cause Loss Of Libido?

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Posted on Thu, 9 Feb 2017
Question: Does SHBG high levels cause my absolute loss of my sex drive?

I do have an Evra patch for PCOS and after 3 months it turned out that there is no change in my high SHBG. Kindly keep in mind I've done the blood test while still on patch.
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Answered by Dr. Elona (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, high SHBG can be the culprit.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
I have gone through your question.
I can understand your concern.

SHBG is a protein that binds tightly to the hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (an estrogen). It’s role is to transport these hormones throughout your blood to other tissues in your body.

The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) test may be used to help evaluate men for low testosterone and women for excess testosterone production.

Compared to men, women naturally have higher levels of SHBG.

Increased SHBG levels in women may be seen in:

-Liver disease
-Hyperthyroidism
-Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa)
-Corticosteroids or estrogen use (hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives). These can be the culpit of your high SHBG level.
-Decreased sex hormone production (hypogonadism)
-Pregnancy

Women with high levels of SHBG have less available testosterone in their bodies. That’s bad news for any lady since testosterone plays a important role in maintaining energy levels, muscle development, bone health, and your sex drive!

So my answer is: Yes, high levels of SHBG can be the cause your low sex drive.
In my opinion,the increased SHBG level in your case,very probably can be attributed to contraceptive use.

Hope i have clarified your doubts.
If you have other queries,feel free and ask. I'll be happy to help.
Thank you for using HCM.
Wish you all the best.

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Elona

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 941 Questions

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Do High SHBG Levels Cause Loss Of Libido?

Brief Answer: Yes, high SHBG can be the culprit. Detailed Answer: Hello dear, I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern. SHBG is a protein that binds tightly to the hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (an estrogen). It’s role is to transport these hormones throughout your blood to other tissues in your body. The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) test may be used to help evaluate men for low testosterone and women for excess testosterone production. Compared to men, women naturally have higher levels of SHBG. Increased SHBG levels in women may be seen in: -Liver disease -Hyperthyroidism -Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa) -Corticosteroids or estrogen use (hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives). These can be the culpit of your high SHBG level. -Decreased sex hormone production (hypogonadism) -Pregnancy Women with high levels of SHBG have less available testosterone in their bodies. That’s bad news for any lady since testosterone plays a important role in maintaining energy levels, muscle development, bone health, and your sex drive! So my answer is: Yes, high levels of SHBG can be the cause your low sex drive. In my opinion,the increased SHBG level in your case,very probably can be attributed to contraceptive use. Hope i have clarified your doubts. If you have other queries,feel free and ask. I'll be happy to help. Thank you for using HCM. Wish you all the best.