Part 8: Levels of SHBG
As I discussed in Part 7, testosterone levels can play a major part in a woman's sexual desire. Ways to supplement low levels were covered. But, how does it get low in the first place?
One of the most common ways for low testosterone to develop is when the level of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) is high. There are many aspects to the hormones that can impact sexuality, but SHBG is a stand-out. (Frustatingly, many endocrinologists have shied away from looking for remedies for low sexual desire based on hormonal levels.)
SHBG "floats" in the bloodstream and combines with free testosterone. This makes the testosterone "bound" or not free. When it's bound, it cannot affect a woman's libido. It's rendered neutral.
That's why it's important to know the free testosterone level of a woman. But, getting an accurate measurement of free testosterone can be difficult to do because female levels are often quite low and become virtually unmeasureable. Equilibrium dialysis of blood is the optimal measurement of free testosterone.
If that test is unavailable, there is another way to arrive at a reasonable assessment of free testosterone: Have blood tests done for total testosterone and for SHBG. Then plug those numbers into the Free and Bioavailable Testosterone Calculator here.
Optimal levels for sexual functioning should be in the upper two tertiles of the "normal" range. That means that the lowest one-third of "normal" should be considered low. This is due to the fact that when labs derive their values for "normal," women with low sexual desire have been included. Sexual researchers have therefore determined that the upper two-thirds of the "normal" range from labs should be the target since those are women with adequate sexual desire.
While not all sex researchers agree, there is a growing contingent that suspects use of hormonal approaches to birth control as a cause of elevated SHBG levels. If you or your mate is having low sexual desire and is on a hormonal birth control (pill, patch, shot or ring), consider going off of this method in order to restore sexual desire.
Related Topics: Halting Oral Contraceptives: Effects Linger, Less Sexual Desire After the Pill?
Technorati Tags: sexuality, women's health, SHBG
One of the most common ways for low testosterone to develop is when the level of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) is high. There are many aspects to the hormones that can impact sexuality, but SHBG is a stand-out. (Frustatingly, many endocrinologists have shied away from looking for remedies for low sexual desire based on hormonal levels.)
SHBG "floats" in the bloodstream and combines with free testosterone. This makes the testosterone "bound" or not free. When it's bound, it cannot affect a woman's libido. It's rendered neutral.
That's why it's important to know the free testosterone level of a woman. But, getting an accurate measurement of free testosterone can be difficult to do because female levels are often quite low and become virtually unmeasureable. Equilibrium dialysis of blood is the optimal measurement of free testosterone.
If that test is unavailable, there is another way to arrive at a reasonable assessment of free testosterone: Have blood tests done for total testosterone and for SHBG. Then plug those numbers into the Free and Bioavailable Testosterone Calculator here.
Optimal levels for sexual functioning should be in the upper two tertiles of the "normal" range. That means that the lowest one-third of "normal" should be considered low. This is due to the fact that when labs derive their values for "normal," women with low sexual desire have been included. Sexual researchers have therefore determined that the upper two-thirds of the "normal" range from labs should be the target since those are women with adequate sexual desire.
While not all sex researchers agree, there is a growing contingent that suspects use of hormonal approaches to birth control as a cause of elevated SHBG levels. If you or your mate is having low sexual desire and is on a hormonal birth control (pill, patch, shot or ring), consider going off of this method in order to restore sexual desire.
Related Topics: Halting Oral Contraceptives: Effects Linger, Less Sexual Desire After the Pill?
Technorati Tags: sexuality, women's health, SHBG
32 Comments:
I am 50 years old .I have a younger husband at the age of 42. He just left me after 4 years of marriage and 6 years total tagether.I want him back.I love him and he still loves me but I`m having a problem of not wanting sex.What can I take or what can I do to get back to wanting sex?Please help befor I lose him for good.He`s already moved out 4 day`s ago but we are still in love with each other.HELP!!!!!!!!
Try to have sex as often as you can force yourself to. Try doing different styles of sex. Try just oral on him to keep him loyal to you only. Go to counsel together...social worker, pyschologist, church deacon or pastor.
I'm 24 years old and have been with the same perosn for 6 years. After my daughter was born 2 years ago I have no sex drive. I see it as more of a hinderance than something that I should be enjoying. Now my partner is really frustrated and I can't seem to control the way I feel. Any help/advice would be appreciated.
That's swell that they can point to high levels of SHBG as being a problem. How about including in your article some information on what can be done about it!!
I am 23 yrs old, I have had no sexual desire since i was 19. I have been with the same person for 10 yrs now I dont know what is going on with my body! I just dont seem to have any desire no matter how hard I try! It is beginning to become a big problem in our relationship! I really dont know how to fix it, Iv tried going to several Drs. but they all say the same thing! (they dont know)
Im 28. My sex drive is lower than ever before. I've been off the pill for over 5 years and Im considering going back on the pill just to increase my sex drive. When I was on the pill I had a good sex drive but I was also younger. Now Ive been in a 4 year relationship and this has become a major issue. I haven't had an orgasm in almost 4 years. Is this normal?? anyway it's really affecting my relationship. Please give me some advice.
I have completely the opposite problem where my testosterone is off the charts (high)which creates acne, facial hair, unending sexual desire (it's not a good thing), and inability to loose weight. One doctor told me the heavier you are the more testosterone you produce, which causes more weight gain, which causes more testosterone production. How can you increase the SHBG to lower testosterone?
I am 40 yrs old and have never had an orgasm.also my vagina gets really wet but I don't have any sexual desire.Is there any thing that I can try that will be help to at least get turned on (which I don't).Please help!!
I am a 54 year old. I do not have any sexual desires. This started after my hystromectomy 6 years ago. I do have hot flashes, mood swings. I am afraid of hrt..did not have good experiences with it before. My husband is getting tired of me not wanting him sexually..thyroid test are normal..said the doctor..I have one thyroid gland removed..
7:32PM: Get the testing recommended in this article by someone who knows what they're doing. Interview the GYN's or Urogynecologists. If they don't seem to know much, look up "Sexual Health" "Female" & "Clinic" along with your location or largest city near you. Also...couples counseling! It's not just the sex. But, I agree totally with 4:35pm. Try to help him without (oral, handjob) having to do something you don't like. Go to or host a lingerie party. Buy or check out books about sex and intimacy from the library. AND, use it or lose it. The more you have sex, the higher the testosterone levels.
10:42: You're probably tired from raising a child! Are you trying to do too much. Prioritize, with your relationship coming second only to your child! Also, testosterone levels decrease with each child. Look at advice above. Also, I'd suggest the book Mars and Venus in the Bedroom. I thought that series was just pop-psych...until I read them. I think they're excellent...and acurate!
11:06: it's not just SHBG...it's the free androgen index (free testosterone ratio). And, with women, it's MUCH more complicated than with men. It's usually not just ONE thing, like hormones. Men can just "react"...women have to WORK at wanting to be sexual after a certain amount of time. The people who can test the hormones should know how to get them more "normalized" if needs be. I.e. switching to IUD from oral BCP's.
2:23: Are you on birth control pills? You might want to try a progesterone only, or the ring. Do you have children? If so, you're probably exhausted. Has anyone tested your thyroid? (Is your TSH below 3.0???) - does hypothyroidism run in your family? Do you share a fantasy life with your mate? Can you look at men's magazines together, or talk about what (in theory) turns each of you on? Women's approach to sex is VERY different than men. See the suggestion for the book above. You may need to go to a specialist. Do a online search. There ARE specialists in Sexual Health medicine! Any many of them are VERY good. Ask a GYN or Urogynecologist to help you find one.
1:32am: Get your thyroid tested. Also, if the pill you decide to go on has estrogen in it, you'll be increasing your SHBG. Like was said earlier, as women get older the things that affect their libido (interest in sex) becomes very complex.
7:57: Has anyone ever told you that you have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome/disease)? And actually, no...the heavier you are the more ESTROGEN you produce, but not necessarily testosterone. Sounds more like PCOS. Find someone who knows about that condition and ask about Glucophage/Metformin to help control it. Also, oral birth control pills with estrogen will increase your SHBG, and therefore decrease the FREE testosterone, which may help control some of the effect of the high total testosterone.
2:09: Again, as above, have you had bloodwork - esp for TSH (thyroid)? Have you tried masterbating or tried a vibrator? Get some books on women and orgasms. And if you've already tried all of the above, find a good GYN, Urogyn or sexual health specialist.
10:27 - one thyroid gland removed? And did anyone then put you on any thyroid replacement? Is your TSH below 3.0? If it's higher than that, it's probably NOT normal. BUT, hysterectomies with removal of ovaries and menopause (whether natural or surgical) can cause hormone deficiencies. You should at least be on vaginal estrogen if nothing else to keep the vaginal tissue healthy. HRT was given a bad rap by the poor interpretation and reporting of the Women's Health Initiative study (WHI). What they absolutely FAILED to make commonly known was that this study started HRT on women already 10 or more years into menopause. This is NOT the time to start HRT and CAN result in problems. However, HRT started just before, at the beginning, or just after menopause can actually have some positive health effects (as long as you are not in a high risk group for things such as breast cancer). But again, it's not just the hormones. Check out the answers to the first question.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
i have a question...is there anyone that knows or has polycystic ovary disease and was able to conceive?
To the commenter above:
The members on our PCOS Support Group message board will have some feedback for you. Try posting your question there.
I am 19 years old. I have two kids,i have been with the same man since i was 15. Since i had my first child, i have no sex drive at all! I have asked the doctors whats wrong or could they put me on something they said theres nuthen out there yet for woman!! Its really mess up our reletionship!! I try to make myself want it but i cant!!! Please Help
I'm a 24 year old i have two kids i have been in the same relationship for 5 years.,i always have have dreams of having sex with women and thats the only thing that will turn me on, but i cant have a relationship with them instead i want a relationship with a man, when my boyfriend wants sex i have to think of having sex with a women before i can get turned on, so what the heck is wrong with me? please help...
To those of you with questions about your own specific sexual situation, please post your questions on our Sexual Issues message board.
Im 18 years old and i wieght is 325
i see a dr. six months to monitor my testosterone is very high could this be affecting my weight. and i thought testosterone level is form just for men not women do i have male problems signed confused
I am much like a few of the other people who have responded, my age is slightly different, Im 21 years old. I have been in a relationship most of my teenage years and adult life, I have not been alone since I was 13. At first I thought that was the problem with my sex drive, that I have been doing it for so long that it just got old to me, but now I see that there might actually be a problem. I am on birth control and have been since i was 19. Yasmin specifically. I recently tried to get off of it for the past few months but that has not effected my sex drive either. My sister does have a slight thyroid problem. I have read the other advice you've given, I'm just not sure what exactly to listen to. Thank you.
I am 23 and I just had a baby 6 months ago. Even before my son I have never really hada interest in sex, I love the father of my child and I would like to have a normal sexual relationship with him but I need a sex drive first, please help!
I'm 24 years old and have been having sex since I was 15. I'm currently involved with a woman, my first, and we've been in a committed relationship for 3 years. I've always had a problem with wanting sex. The only time I ever want sex or even think about is when I'm ovulating and my body thinks it needs a baby. Except for those 3 or 4 days out of the month I never think/dream/want sex or even think someone's attractive. This is hurting my relationship (which is very healthy otherwise) and the doctors don't have a clue what to do. Help!
I'm 29 yrs. old, I started my sexual life 10 yrs. ago with my husband, now we have two girls, but not until I stopped breast-feeding 6 mo. ago did my libido go down, and it seems to be going down even more as time passes by. I really love him, he is a great man but I just don't have the desire anymore. I don't know what to think except maybe is the IUD but I've had it for a year and half now. I try to exercise to feel good about myself, I'm a healthy woman who gets physicals every year and everything always comes back normal. Should I be asking my doctor for some different kind of bloodwork?
jc
I am a healthy male of 42 and my 40 yr old wife constantly refuses sex. We are very close outside the bedroom and i have tried about every romantic and even humourous opportunity to try and change her outlook. I have even tried changing the way I am to see if it was something i was doing. She is just not interested and becomes very aggressive when i suggest that it is she that may have a problem. My wifes lack of sexual behaviour is now causing me to become very frustrated and at times even angry. I have suggested counselling, nothing seems to help. She refuses also to see that it is having a bad effect on our relationship. We are strong enough, apparently , to survive without me wanting sex !
Advice? please......
I am a 26 yr old female, my sex drive went through the roof about a year ago. after facial hair growth increased i requested a testosterone check and 3 months ago it was 78. so i was put on oral contraceptives. I recently had it tested again and the level is at 94. this round i also had my dhea tested and it is 361. i am more concerned about long term risk than the immediate symptoms. my obgyn says just continue the yazmin (obviously its not working with the massive increase in testosterone) I am concerned it is an adrenal issue, yet he is still leaning on pcos. I am getting a second opinion from my pcp. was wondering if there is any relevant information or testing i should have to get an accurate diagnosis. also what are normal levels???? my ob said 25-76 on testosterone, and 45-321 on dhea. I cant find any publications with this information. please help asap...you can contact me at necolecox@yahoo.com
I am 25 years old I am currently in a relationship, we live together. I'm very happy with him our sex life was perfect until a year ago it has gone down the drain, he takes his time we try a lot of different things but I just don't feel like having sex no more I try to relax and just concentrate but I just want him off me, also I noticed that I have this pain in my ovaries it feels like a sharp pain I've gone to different doctors and they don't understand why I have those pains. A month ago I went for a pap smear and couldn't stand the pain, I asked the doctor why did I have so much pain and the only thing she said it was due to stress what can I do with my 3 major problems? please help me....thank you
I am 29yrs. old. I have had three children that are living with my parents, so I can be away at college. I have been divorced for 2yrs and have recently stoppped having sex and dating. I was extremely sexually active with my boyfriend for 4mos. After my heart break now almost 4 mos. I have really begun to ignore other men. It like nothing turns me on. I bought a vibrator at first to prevent the overflow, but i truly prefer a really person. So, why am I not entertianed by other men asking me out daily. My body is not aroused by these males nor my vibrator. Its very disturbing. Do I have a problem or do just still have a broken heart. Honestly, I have tried but laughter my onl response. Help!
I want my crazy sex drive back, and a potiential husband to match.
I am 29yrs. old. I have had three children that are living with my parents, so I can be away at college. I have been divorced for 2yrs and have recently stoppped having sex and dating. I was extremely sexually active with my boyfriend for 4mos. After my heart break now almost 4 mos. I have really begun to ignore other men. Its like nothing turns me on. I bought a vibrator at first to prevent the overflow, but I truly prefer a real person. So, why am I not entertianed by other men asking me out daily. My body is not aroused by these males nor my vibrator. Its very disturbing. Do I have a problem or do I just still have a broken heart. Honestly, I have tried but laughter to men is my only response. Help!
I want my crazy sex drive back, and a potiential husband to match.
I am 25 years old i have one child and i have never hade a orgasam.
no matter what i do or what my husban does we have tryed diffrent ways of haveing sex.I also dont have that that much filling down there.I just dont what is wrong and i need help.
I am in my thirties and I still dont know what to look for while "having an orgasam". I dont know if I have ever had one.
Can a female please explain to me what it feels like?
Ok I just got a call from my obgyn and I now have to go see a specialist for elevated testostrone. I complained to her of feeling not in the mood. She did take the blood work. I'm 26 never an issue before however she had put me on a constant active pill. so that I would not get my period but, I am now concerned that this could have caused the problem. Is this possible? And can you give me a run down of what I can look forward to when going to see this specialist? I'm a very paranoid person and like to know what is to come of this if any`thing?
To the person who asked about having PCOS and still having children I just wanted to let you know that I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 17. My husband and I tried for a year in a half with the help of Glucophage and Clomid to get pregnant. Fortunately we did get pregnant not only once but 3 times. I now have 2 daughters (ages 5 and 4) and 1 son who is 10 months. The funny thing is my last 2 kids were conceived while on birth control. So don't give up it can and hopefully will happen!
Iam 25 years old and I have no sex drive at all. I dont have any kids, I only work and go to school. I've been in my relationship for 2 years and just cant seem to figure out why I have no sex drive. I've tried the books, oral sex, movies, toys, and It still does not work!! I need HELP!!
For all ladies. This may seem like an off the wall thing but, do you ever remember talking dirty to your husband, boyfriend? Haven't you ever wondered why men have this propensity for wanting to hear at least a moderate amount of i.e pillow talk? The real question is, why does it only have to be talk that's done in a bedroom, why not a spicy moment on the phone while he's at work or on the way to work or on the way home. What about being very forward with your advances towards him. You can still do this and be very discreet in the store, mall, car, restaurant. there is this old saying that says "ACT AS IF" Women want romance, Men want Intimacy. If you want us as men to be more romantic, then by all means be more intimate and yes racy too. there's another old saying of Lady in public, Chef in the Kitchen, Vixen in bed. why not just be a vixen and leave it at that. I can guarantee that most women would find out there men can be quite the romantic again as well as really good chef's. But then again, what do I know...I am just a man, and I know how men think, what they talk about, and how THEY FEEL. Here's another secret...never and I mean never say no. If you never say no to his desires..he will always and I mean always go out of his way to find a way to meet any of yours. Can you say new car? Yes honey which one. If you don't believe me, ask the next anonymous woman you see wearing a big diamond and driving a really expensive car. Women marry for security and love...Men marry for love and sex. look at those two differences very carefully, I think you''ll find a really big answer there.
Hang in there ladies, I wish you all the best, and hope that you find a way to reach the big O your looking for. I would say call me if you can't but I might get shot if you did. good Luck, god bless and be well. PS, I am in my 50's, been around the block a few times.
PPS Ask him how he would feel about your talking dirty to him. I think you'll find that it might get you going. Not to mention that he might really like it.
Keep in mind I am not saying to go overboard and start talking real trash and over the wall straight filth. But tell him what you want and be descriptive about it. Tell him how to and where to use his mouth, or any other part of him (wink) you desire. Make him feel wanted and really desired. it's ok to get loud if you want as well.
The more you get into it, the better you will respond. Good Luck
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