Evidence check: SHBG in the context of stress

SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) is indirectly linked to stress via cortisol and insulin. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can suppress SHBG production in the liver, while stress-induced insulin resistance also lowers SHBG. Reduced SHBG increases free testosterone and estradiol, potentially altering hormone balance. Evidence comes from observational and mechanistic studies, not large clinical trials. SHBG alone is not a reliable stress biomarker; it should be assessed alongside cortisol, insulin, and metabolic markers. Caveat: consumer lab tests indicate trends, not diagnoses. Abnormal results warrant medical follow-up. Evidence: human-moderate.