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Medical information Clinical review pending

Endocrine Testing

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin SHBG Test

The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Test measures SHBG levels in the blood to help assess hormonal balance and identify potential endocrine disorders.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Blood sample (serum).
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Fasting may be required.
Test priceKSh 5,499

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin SHBG Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Symptoms of hormonal imbalance
  • ✓Irregular menstrual cycles
  • ✓Unexplained weight changes
  • ✓Fatigue
  • ✓Decreased libido
  • ✓Hair loss or changes in hair growth
  • ✓Monitoring endocrine disorders
  • ✓Assessing risk factors like obesity or diabetes
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Assessing hormonal balance, diagnosing endocrine disorders, monitoring treatment effectiveness for hormonal conditions.
The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the levels of SHBG in the blood. SHBG is a protein produced by the liver that binds to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, influencing their availability in the body. Understanding SHBG levels is important for diagnosing hormonal imbalances and various endocrine disorders.

This test specifically measures the concentration of SHBG in your serum. The results can indicate how much of your sex hormones are available for your body's use. Abnormal levels of SHBG can signal underlying health issues, including hormonal disorders.

Individuals experiencing symptoms related to hormonal imbalances may benefit from this test. Symptoms can include unexplained weight changes, fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles, decreased libido, or changes in hair growth. People with risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or a family history of endocrine disorders might also consider this test.

Taking the SHBG Test can help identify hormonal imbalances early, guide treatment decisions, monitor treatment effectiveness, and provide insights into overall hormonal health. Interpreting SHBG levels requires a healthcare professional's expertise. Low levels may be associated with conditions like obesity or insulin resistance, while high levels can be linked to hyperthyroidism or liver disease. Your doctor will interpret your results considering your overall health.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationConfirm with the laboratory before booking. Fasting may be required.
SampleBlood sample (serum).
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results can be influenced by other medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. Interpretation requires clinical correlation.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein made by the liver that binds to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, affecting how much of these hormones are active in the body.
This test helps assess hormonal balance and can aid in diagnosing conditions related to endocrine disorders.
Symptoms like unexplained weight changes, fatigue, irregular periods, decreased libido, or changes in hair growth might suggest a hormonal imbalance that this test can help investigate.
A healthcare professional interprets SHBG levels alongside your symptoms and other test results to understand your hormonal health.
Confirm with the laboratory before booking, as fasting may be required.
DNA Labs Kenya has branches across Kenya and offers home sample collection. Contact us at +254711564616 to book.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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