Hormone molecules are bound to proteins in the blood. Bound hormone molecules are inactive until they are released and become free. The main protein produced by the liver and released into the blood is albumin, which is similar to the egg white of a chicken egg. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is one of the proteins produced by the liver. The binding capacity of this protein for testosterone is 30,000 times greater than that of albumin. During their reproductive years, women have double the concentration of SHBG when compared to men as oestrogens encourage SHBG production. Androgens, such as testosterone, suppress SHBG production. Women with hirsutism (excess body hair Q8.6) associated with hyperandrogenism have relatively low SHBG levels resulting in increased levels of free, actively available, androgens.
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What is meant by the term anatomy?
- 2 What is the anatomy of the external genital area?
- 3 What are the internal genital organs?
- 4 What is the peritoneum?
- 5 Why did I develop into a girl?
- 6 How do sperm development and egg development differ?
- 7 What is meant by the term physiology?
- 8 What is a hormone?
- 9 What are steroid hormones?
- 10 What is sex hormone binding globulin?
- 11 What controls sex hormone release?
- 12 How do oestrogens and androgens affect me?
- 13 What are progesterone and progestogens?
- 14 How do my menstrual cycles occur?
- 15 Support Groups.
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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
