Steroid-binding globulin in blood

Steroid binding globulin is a protein that binds and transports testosterone and estradiol.

Protein-bound hormones are biologically inactive. In addition to their transport function, steroid-binding globulin protects testosterone and estradiol from metabolic inactivation on the way from the gland that secretes them to the target organ. Thus, a kind of hormone depot is formed in the body.

Reference values (norm) for the concentration of steroid-binding globulin in blood serum: men - 14.9-103 nmol/l (1-12 mg/l); women - 18.6-117 nmol/l (3-15 mg/l), during pregnancy - 30-120 mg/l.

This protein is an acidic glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 45,000. Disruption of its synthesis leads to disruption of hormone delivery to target organs and the performance of their physiological functions.

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Indications for the analysis of steroid-binding globulin

Indications for conducting the analysis of Steroid-binding globulin are determined by an endocrinologist, gynecologist, reproductive specialist or urologist. Basically, all this is carried out with clinical signs of an increase or decrease in the level of androgens. Especially in the case if the concentration of testosterone in the blood serum is within the normal range.

This procedure may also be recommended for baldness and hirsutism. Usually, in women, this procedure is performed in case of menstrual cycle disorders. As for men, the test is mainly taken in case of potency disorders. Decreased libido is no exception.

All this allows us to determine the reason for which certain negative consequences developed. Based on the data obtained, a conclusion is made and the person undergoes treatment. Again, it directly depends on the reason for which this or that phenomenon arose. After all, steroid-binding globulin may exceed the norm, or, conversely, be below it for a number of reasons.

Preparation for the test

Preparation for the steroid-binding globulin test requires certain actions. Blood for the test must be given on an empty stomach. It is recommended to drink only water before the procedure. This is done so that no auxiliary "components" can correct the test results.

At least 8 hours must pass after the last meal. Blood must be taken before the start of taking medications. Naturally, if possible. Because medications cannot be taken 1-2 weeks before the test. If this is not possible, then the referral must indicate what medications the person is taking and in what doses.

Limit fatty and fried foods the day before blood sampling. You should also give up bad habits, including alcohol. It is advisable to avoid physical activity.

Blood should not be given for testing immediately after X-ray, fluorography, ultrasound, rectal examination or physiotherapy procedures. Otherwise, it will be difficult to determine steroid-binding globulin.

How is the analysis carried out?

Many people are interested in how the steroid-binding globulin test is performed. In fact, it is a simple blood draw procedure.

A person registers for the test in advance and prepares for it. Eliminates fatty and fried foods from their diet a day before visiting the hospital, and does not drink alcohol. Stops taking medications 1-2 weeks before. If this action is impossible, notifies the attending physician.

On the day of the test, a person comes to a medical institution and simply gives blood from a finger. The study is conducted for 3 days. Then the test results are issued, and with the received data the patient goes to his attending physician.

There is nothing scary about this procedure. Everything is done quickly and painlessly. In many cases, it is simply necessary to take this test. Thus, it will be possible to eliminate a number of negative reasons that arose due to an increase or decrease in the level of steroid-binding globulin.

Steroid binding globulin norm

The norm of steroid-binding globulin is fixed. But for women, men and during pregnancy it has slightly different indicators. Thus, for the male sex the norm is 14.9 – 103 nmol/l (1.0 – 12.0 mg/l). This indicates that the person has no deviations.

For women, the numbers are slightly different, they fluctuate in the range of 18.6 – 117 nmol/l (3.0 – 15.0 mg/l). This also indicates that women have no problems.

For pregnant women, the indicator is somewhat overstated and is 30 - 120 mg / l. It is necessary to take into account that the data changes depending on the person's age and gender. Therefore, it is worth knowing the norms for everyone. Otherwise, you will not be able to independently understand what is wrong.

Any deviation from the norm indicates that something is wrong with the body. It is necessary to identify the exact cause of this phenomenon and start eliminating it. Because the reasons for changing the norm of steroid-binding globulin can be varied and, again, completely depend on the person's gender.

Decoding of indicators

Deciphering the steroid-binding globulin levels for an ordinary person is difficult. The fact is that the data obtained can only tell you whether the level is normal or not. It is almost impossible to independently understand why a deviation occurred.

The data is deciphered by the doctor who sent the person to undergo this analysis. Usually, this is a urologist, reproductive specialist, gynecologist or endocrinologist.

Based on the data obtained, the specialist determines the cause of this phenomenon and prescribes effective methods for eliminating this problem. Again, they are different for women and men. Because the reasons for deviation from the norm can depend on various changes in the body, including age-related ones.

It is important to note that pregnant women fall into a separate category. Their level of steroid-binding globulin increases due to changes in the body and the prevalence of certain hormones in it.

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Causes of increased steroid binding globulin

The reasons for the increase in steroid-binding globulin depend on many factors. Thus, such a phenomenon can be observed in liver cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism and during pregnancy. The content of this "component" can increase due to the intake of estrogens. In this case, we mean some oral contraceptives. Taking phenoin leads to the activation of liver enzymes and an increase in globulin in the blood. After treatment with dexamethasone, patients with hyperandrogenic status experience an increase in the level of this "component".

In addition, deviations from the norm can be affected by stress, thyroids, the man's age and high concentration of carbohydrates. So not in all cases the reason is serious. It is enough to simply change your diet, follow a certain daily routine and eliminate negative factors in order to return to normal globulin levels. All recommendations will be "prescribed" by the doctor. In any case, steroid-binding globulin should again be within normal limits.

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Causes of decreased steroid binding globulin

The reasons for the decrease in steroid-binding globulin may be hidden in many negative factors. Thus, this phenomenon is usually observed in hirsutism, acne and polycystic ovary syndrome.

In 30% of cases, patients suffering from hirsutism have a reduced level of globulin. A slight decrease can be caused by acromegaly, hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia and Cushing's syndrome.

It has been found that a decrease in globulin levels is observed after taking androgens (especially testosterone) or drugs (danazol). Somatotropic hormone and glucocorticoids can lead to a decrease in concentration.

Naturally, obesity, growth hormone, menopause in women, progesterone, prolactin and testosterone can cause the problem. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor your own health more carefully. It is important to take tests and undergo examinations on time. In this case, the norm of steroid-binding globulin will always be normal.

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