Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin: An Important Biomarker for Predicting PCOS Risk - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
December 2017
in “
Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine
”
TLDR Lower SHBG levels may increase the risk of PCOS.
The systematic review and meta-analysis from December 11, 2017, found that lower levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) are significantly associated with an increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its related metabolic and endocrine disturbances. Analyzing 62 articles, the study showed that SHBG levels were significantly higher in controls compared to PCOS patients, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.83 (95% CI: -1.01 to -0.64). The review also indicated that therapeutic interventions could improve SHBG levels in PCOS patients, potentially reducing complications associated with the condition. Despite the presence of publication bias and high heterogeneity among the studies, the document suggests that SHBG could serve as a useful biomarker for predicting PCOS risk and may help in understanding the link between PCOS and its associated comorbidities.