Steroid binding globulin in the blood

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

Protein-bound hormones are not biologically active. In addition to the transport function, the steroid-binding globulin protects testosterone and estradiol from metabolic inactivation along the way from the gland secreting to the target organ. Thus, the formation of a kind of depot of hormones in the body occurs.

Reference values (norm) of the concentration of steroid binding globulin in the serum: men - 14,9-103 nmol / l (1-12 mg / l); women - 18,6-117 nmol / l (3-15 mg / l), in pregnancy - 30-120 mg / l.

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

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Indications for the analysis of steroid binding globulin

Indications for the analysis of steroid-binding globulin revealed by a doctor endocrinologist, gynecologist, reproductive specialist or urologist. Basically, all this is done with clinical signs of an increase or decrease in the level of androgens. Especially if the testosterone concentration in the blood serum is within normal limits.

To recommend carrying out of the given procedure can and at a baldness and a hirsutism. Usually, in women, this procedure is performed when the menstrual cycle is disturbed. As for men, basically the analysis is given for a violation of potency. Not an exception is the decline of libido.

All this allows us to determine the reason for the development of certain negative consequences. Based on the data obtained, an opinion is drawn and the person is treated. Again, it directly depends on the reason for which this or that phenomenon has arisen. After all, the steroid-binding globulin may exceed the norm, or vice versa, be lower than it for a number of reasons.

Preparation for the analysis

Preparation for the analysis of steroid-binding globulin requires certain actions. Blood must be taken out for fasting on an empty stomach. Before the procedure, it is recommended to use only water. This is done so that no auxiliary "components" can correct the results of the analysis.

After the last meal take at least 8 hours. Blood should be taken before taking medication. Naturally, if there is such an opportunity. Because the drugs can not be taken for 1-2 weeks before the test. If this is not possible, then in the direction it is necessary to specify what medicines the person takes and in what doses.

The day before taking blood, restrict fatty and fried foods. It is also necessary to abandon bad habits, including alcohol. It is desirable to exclude physical activity.

Blood for research should not be taken immediately after radiography, fluorography, ultrasound - research, rectal examination or physiotherapy procedures. Otherwise, steroid-binding globulin will be difficult to determine.

How is the analysis done?

Many people are interested in the analysis of steroid binding globulin. In fact, this is an ordinary procedure for taking blood.

A person is pre-recorded for the analysis and is trained for it. Excludes from the diet fatty and fried foods, a day before visiting the hospital, and also does not consume alcohol. For 1-2 weeks, stops taking medication. If this action is impossible, the attending physician will be warned.

On the day of the analysis, a person comes to a medical institution and simply gives blood from a finger. The study is carried out for 3 days. Then the results of the analysis are given out, and the patient is sent to his / her own doctor with the data obtained.

There is nothing wrong with this procedure. Everything is done quickly and painlessly. In many cases, it is necessary to pass this analysis. Thus, it will be possible to eliminate a number of negative causes that have arisen because of the increase or decrease in the level of steroid-binding globulin.

The rate of steroid binding globulin

The rate of steroid binding globulin is fixed. But for women, men and during pregnancy has several different indicators. So, for a male, the norm is 14.9 - 103 nmol / l (1.0 - 12.0 mg / l). This indicates that there are no deviations in the person.

For women, the figures are somewhat different, they range from 18.6 to 117 nmol / L (3.0 to 15.0 mg / L). This also suggests that there are no problems with the fair sex.

For pregnant women the indicator is somewhat overestimated and is 30 - 120 mg / l. It is necessary to take into account that the data vary depending on the age of the person and his sex. Therefore, it is worth knowing the rules for everyone. Otherwise, you will not be able to understand for yourself what is wrong.

Any deviation from the norm indicates that the body is not all right. It is necessary to identify the exact cause of this phenomenon and to deal with its elimination. Because the causes of the change in the rate of steroid-binding globulin can be varied and again, completely depend on the sex of the person.

Decoding of indicators

The interpretation of the parameters of steroid binding globulin for an ordinary person is complex. The fact is that according to the data obtained, one can only find out whether the indicator is normal or not. Independently to understand, why there was a deviation practically impossible.

The doctor decides on the interpretation of the data, and sent the person to this analysis. Usually it is a urologist, reproductive specialist, gynecologist or endocrinologist.

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

It should be noted that pregnant women fall into a separate category. They have a level of steroid-binding globulin is increased because of changes in the body and the predominance of certain hormones in it.

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Causes of increased steroid-binding globulin

The causes of increased steroid-binding globulin depend on many factors. So, it is possible to observe such a phenomenon with cirrhosis of the liver, hyperthyroidism and during pregnancy. The content of this "component" may increase due to the use of estrogens. In this case, we mean some oral contraceptives. The intake of fentoin leads to the activation of hepatic enzymes and the increase of globulin in the blood. After treatment with dexamethasone in patients with hyperandrogenic status, an increase in the level of this "component" is observed.

In addition, the deviation from the norm can affect stress, thyroid, the age of a man and a high concentration of carbohydrates. So not all cases cause serious. It is enough simply to change your diet, observe a certain regime of the day and remove negative factors in order to return to normal globulin level again. All recommendations will be "written out" by the doctor. In any case, the steroid-binding globulin should again be within the normal range.

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Causes of a reduction in steroid binding globulin

The causes of a decrease in the steroid-binding globulin may be hiding in many negative factors. So, usually this phenomenon is observed with hirsutism, acne and polycystic ovary syndrome.

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

It was found that the decrease in the level of globulin is observed after taking androgens (especially testosterone) or drugs (danazol). To reduce the concentration may cause somatotropic hormone and glucocorticoids.

Naturally, the cause of the problem is obesity, growth hormone, menopause in women, progesterone, prolactin and testosterone. Therefore, to monitor their own health needs more carefully. It is important to pass the tests on time and undergo an examination. In this case, the norm of steroid-binding globulin will always be normal.

[17], [18], [19], [20], [21]