Sex hormone binding globulin
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) (pronunciation: /sɛks ˈhɔːrmoʊn ˈbaɪndɪŋ ˈɡlɒbjʊlɪn/) is a protein that binds to and transports sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, in the bloodstream.
Etymology
The term "Sex Hormone Binding Globulin" is derived from its function. "Sex hormone" refers to the hormones it binds to, "binding" refers to its function of attaching to these hormones, and "globulin" is a general term for proteins that are soluble in water.
Function
SHBG binds to sex hormones in the bloodstream, specifically estrogen and testosterone. This binding regulates the amount of free, active hormone available to bind to receptors in the body. High levels of SHBG may be associated with lower levels of free, or active, sex hormones in the bloodstream.
Related Terms
- Estrogen: A group of sex hormones that promote the development and maintenance of female characteristics in the human body.
- Testosterone: A sex hormone that plays important roles in the body. In men, it’s thought to regulate sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm.
- Protein: Large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body. They do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs.
- Hormone: Chemical messengers that are secreted directly into the blood, which carries them to organs and tissues of the body to exert their functions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sex hormone binding globulin
- Wikipedia's article - Sex hormone binding globulin
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