1 in 4

men over 40 have low free testosterone despite normal total testosterone

Travison et al., JAMA 2007

Good reasons to test

Symptoms of low testosterone despite normal total testosterone results
Investigating testosterone and hormone balance in men and women
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) assessment

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)

No fasting required. Morning preferred — sex hormone levels are typically higher earlier in the day Results arrive in 1-2 business days, explained in plain language in your dashboard. Most results sit within the usual range - that is still useful, and anything unexpected supports a conversation with your healthcare practitioner.

Targeted Testing

SHBG

What binds your sex hormones — and what's actually available to your body

$65one-off, no subscription

NATA-accredited pathology
No GP referral needed
Results in 1-2 business days
Collect at 1,900+ centres

Why this test

Total testosterone tells only part of the story — SHBG determines how much is free to act.

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein that binds testosterone and oestrogen, making them inactive. High SHBG means less free hormone available to your tissues — even if your total testosterone looks normal. SHBG is affected by body weight, thyroid function, insulin resistance, liver health, and age.

Understanding your results

Within reference range

Your SHBG is within the expected range (reference ranges differ by sex and lab — see your full report)

Low-normal

Within range but on the lower side — consider reviewing alongside testosterone and metabolic markers

Below reference range

Low SHBG may be associated with insulin resistance or metabolic factors — worth discussing with your healthcare practitioner

Elevated

High SHBG reduces free hormone availability — may be worth discussing with your healthcare practitioner

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and personal context. Your result is shown against the lab's range in your dashboard, alongside what it means.

How it works

TODAY

Order online

Pick a test or panel and check out. No GP referral, no waiting room.

THIS WEEK

One quick visit

Walk into one of 1,900+ NATA-accredited collection centres. A single blood draw is all it takes.

IN 2–5 DAYS

Clear results

We translate your results into plain language in your dashboard - what each marker means, and what is in range.

ONGOING

Track over time

Retest when it matters and watch your trends, so you can see what is actually changing.

Yes. You can order a SHBG test online from Clarity Labs without a GP referral. It's $65, collected at any of 1,900+ NATA-accredited centres across Australia, with results in 1-2 business days via your secure online dashboard.

A SHBG test is $65 at Clarity Labs — a one-off price with no subscription or membership. That covers your pathology request form and collection at any of 1,900+ NATA-accredited centres nationwide.

Total testosterone includes hormone bound to SHBG (inactive) and free testosterone (active). If SHBG is high, your free testosterone may be low even if total testosterone appears normal — a pattern that can explain symptoms.

SHBG rises with age, thyroid overactivity, liver disease, and low body weight. It falls with insulin resistance, obesity, and hypothyroidism.

No fasting is required for SHBG. Morning testing is preferred as sex hormone levels are typically higher earlier in the day.

Every 6-12 months when monitoring hormonal changes or treatment response. Otherwise, as a baseline with a repeat if symptoms change or a new treatment begins.

NATA-accredited pathologyCollected through Sonic Healthcare1,900+ collection centresNo GP referral needed

Complete your health picture

Tests and panels that pair well with this one.

Oestradiol

Oestradiol measurement for reproductive hormone assessment and cycle context.

$65

Learn more

Progesterone

Progesterone measurement for reproductive hormone assessment and ovulation confirmation.

$65

Learn more

Luteinising hormone measurement for reproductive hormone assessment.

$65

Learn more

FSH

Follicle-stimulating hormone measurement for reproductive hormone assessment.

$65

Learn more

This information is for general education and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results are best interpreted with a qualified healthcare practitioner in the context of your symptoms and history.