Order Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Blood Test from JustLabs for $18 ($36 all-in for a single-test order: $18 + one $18 lab & physician order fee per order). Price includes lab processing at Quest Diagnostics. No insurance required.
SHBG is a protein that binds testosterone and estrogen in your blood. Understanding SHBG levels helps interpret how much sex hormone is actually available for your body to use.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced primarily by the liver that binds to testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol in the bloodstream. Hormones bound to SHBG are inactive—only "free" hormones can enter cells and exert their effects.
SHBG levels significantly impact how much active hormone is available to your tissues. High SHBG means more hormone is bound and unavailable; low SHBG means more free hormone is circulating. This is why SHBG testing is essential for properly interpreting testosterone and estrogen results.
SHBG is influenced by many factors: it increases with aging, estrogen, hyperthyroidism, and liver disease. It decreases with obesity, insulin resistance, high androgens, and hypothyroidism.
Price
$18
All-in
$36
incl. $18 lab & physician fee
Results
2-3 business days
Fasting
Not Required
What's Measured
What This Test Measures
This test measures the concentration of SHBG protein in your blood, reported in nmol/L. Combined with total testosterone, SHBG can be used to calculate free testosterone levels.
Who Should Consider This Test
Men with low testosterone symptoms but normal total testosterone, women with signs of excess androgens (acne, hair growth), anyone with borderline hormone results, people with metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, and those on hormone therapy.
Health Insights
Conditions Screened
Related Symptoms
When to Get Tested
No fasting required. For most accurate results, test in the morning when testosterone levels are highest. SHBG is relatively stable throughout the day.
No fasting needed. How to prepare for your blood test →
Full guide: TRT blood work, what to test and when →
Understanding Your Results
Normal ranges vary by sex: Men: 10-57 nmol/L, Women: 18-144 nmol/L. High SHBG can cause low free testosterone despite normal total testosterone. Low SHBG is associated with insulin resistance and may indicate PCOS in women.
What to Expect
After placing your order, we send it straight to Quest Diagnostics — there is no consent form to sign and no partner email to wait for. Your requisition is usually ready to download from your dashboard within about an hour, and you can book your blood draw at any Quest Diagnostics location.
The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 2-3 business days and will appear in your secure JustLabs dashboard.
Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.
How much does the SHBG test cost?
The SHBG test costs $18 at JustLabs — $36 all-in, since the $18 lab & physician order fee is charged once per order, however many tests you add. The price is fixed before your blood draw; no insurance or doctor visit needed.
| Option | Price | Order all-in | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHBG at JustLabsDrawn at Quest Diagnostics | $18 | $36 | Includes the one $18 fee, charged once per order |
Paying with an HSA or FSA? See which lab tests qualify
Frequently Asked Questions
Hospital cash price: $120–$180
$18
+ $18 order fee · $36 all-inOne $18 fee per order covers your Quest blood draw and the independent physician order, however many tests you add.
- Results in 2-3 business days
- No fasting required
- Physician order included
No insurance needed · HSA/FSA eligible
- Physician-ordered
- CLIA-certified Quest lab
- Drawn at Quest Diagnostics
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure if this is the right test for you? Take our quick questionnaire.
Take the QuizSave More with a Panel
Related Tests
Testosterone
Testosterone, Free & Total
$34
Comprehensive testosterone panel measuring both free and total testosterone levels.
Biomarkers:
Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone
Estradiol
Estradiol
$15
Measures the primary form of estrogen. Important for reproductive health in both men and women.
Biomarkers:
Estradiol
Free T4
Free T4 (Thyroxine)
$9
Measures the unbound, active form of the thyroid hormone T4. Helps assess thyroid function and diagnose thyroid conditions.
Biomarkers:
Free T4
Fasting Insulin
Insulin, Fasting
$14
Measures fasting insulin levels to assess insulin resistance and metabolic health. Important for early detection of diabetes risk.
Biomarkers:
Insulin
Explore More
$18
+ $18 order fee · $36 all-in