How SHBG Could Be Affecting Your Mood, Weight, and Reproductive Health

Mood Swings, Weight Gain, and Fertility Concerns: Could SHBG Be a Factor?

If you're a man or woman in the UK facing unexpected weight gain, mood changes, or trouble conceiving, you might not have considered the role of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) in these issues.

How Does SHBG Influence My Health?

SHBG acts as a traffic controller, regulating the amount of active sex hormones available in your bloodstream.

Too little SHBG can mean excess free (active) testosterone in your system, while too much SHBG can reduce available testosterone or oestrogen, impacting both physical and emotional health.

Key Symptoms Linked to Abnormal SHBG

• Mood changes, anxiety or low mood
• Difficulty losing weight or gaining weight unexplainably
• Fertility problems in men and women
• Low libido or sexual dysfunction
• Unusual acne or changes in body hair

Should I Test My SHBG?

Testing your SHBG can be particularly helpful if:

• You've had abnormal hormone tests before
• Your symptoms aren't getting better with lifestyle changes
• You have risk factors for PCOS, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome

Steps You Can Take Today

• Keep a healthy BMI through diet and regular exercise
• Limit sugar, processed foods, and excess alcohol
• Monitor for symptoms and get regular health checks with your GP
• Consider a home test for convenience

Quick, Reliable SHBG Testing From Home

Mayfield Clinic's SHBG Home Blood Test Kit offers fast, fuss-free results. Prefer in-person testing? Book a blood test with one of our friendly UK GPs for personalised advice.

For further reading, see the NHS Hormones A-Z.