Is SHBG useful for gut health?

SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) is primarily produced in the liver and regulates the bioavailability of testosterone and estradiol. An indirect link to gut health exists via the gut-liver axis: impaired gut barrier (leaky gut) and systemic inflammation can impair liver function and lower SHBG levels. Additionally, insulin resistance and fatty liver (NAFLD) – both associated with the microbiome – affect SHBG production. A high-fiber diet and phytoestrogens may increase SHBG, potentially reflecting a favorable gut flora. However, SHBG is not an established biomarker for gut health. The evidence is mostly mechanistic and based on observational studies; direct clinical trials are lacking. Low SHBG may indicate metabolic issues but not specifically gut dysbiosis. In practice, SHBG measurements are useful for hormonal disorders, not as a standalone indicator of gut health. MyBody-X tests offering SHBG should be interpreted in the context of liver and metabolic parameters, not in isolation.