A Hidden Cause of Low Libido You Might Not Know About
If you’re struggling with low libido and your labs “look normal”… this might be the missing piece.
There is a lesser-known factor that can make it feel like your testosterone is low… even when it technically isn’t.
It’s called Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG).
And it plays a major role in how your hormones actually function in your body.
What Is SHBG?
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein made in the liver that binds to your sex hormones, including:
- Testosterone
- Estrogen
- DHT (a form of testosterone)
To simplify it…
Your blood is water-based.
Your hormones are fat-based.
And just like oil and water don’t mix, your hormones need help moving through your bloodstream.
Think of SHBG Like a Car
SHBG acts like a car that carries your hormones through your bloodstream.
When hormones are inside the car (bound), they are inactive.
Only the hormones that are not bound, what we call free hormones, can actually enter your cells and do their job.
Why SHBG Matters for Libido
Here’s where this becomes important.
If SHBG is elevated, more of your hormones are “bound” and unavailable.
So even if your total testosterone looks normal…
👉 Your free testosterone may be low.
And this is what your body actually uses.
This can create what feels like a false low testosterone picture, where your labs look fine, but your libido tells a different story.
What Causes High SHBG?
There are a few common drivers of elevated SHBG.
1. High Estrogen
Estrogen is an essential hormone for:
- Energy
- Bone health
- Reproductive health
- Mood
But too much estrogen can increase SHBG.
One of the biggest contributors today is exposure to xenoestrogens: chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body.
These are commonly found in:
- Skincare and makeup
- Sunscreens
- Lotions and deodorants
- Household and cleaning products
- Laundry detergents
Over time, this can increase your overall estrogen load and drive SHBG higher.
2. Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control is one of the most common contributors to elevated SHBG.
Because it contains synthetic estrogen, it can impact liver function, and the liver is where SHBG is produced.
This can lead to:
- Higher SHBG
- Lower free testosterone
- Reduced libido
And importantly, this effect can persist even after stopping birth control.
This is why many women experience low libido long after coming off the pill.
Thinking About Coming Off Birth Control?
If you are starting to question how birth control may be impacting your hormones or libido, it’s important to support your body through that transition.
Breaking Up With Birth Control: Quick Start Guide
This free guide walks you through the first supportive steps to take before and after coming off hormonal birth control so your body can begin to rebalance.
Inside you’ll learn:
• How to support your hormones post-birth control
• Key nutrients your body may be depleted in
• What to expect as your cycle returns
• How to begin restoring your natural rhythm
3. Undereating and Undernourishment
This is one of the most overlooked contributors to hormonal imbalance.
In today’s world of:
- restrictive diets
- intermittent fasting
- skipping meals
- chronic stress
…many women are simply not eating enough.
When your body is undernourished, SHBG can increase.
Which means:
👉 Less free testosterone
👉 Lower libido
If you want your hormones to thrive, your body needs fuel.
Focus on:
- Adequate protein
- Healthy fats
- Nutrient-dense carbohydrates
- Enough total calories
You cannot expect your libido to be high if your body is in a constant state of depletion.
What To Do If You Suspect High SHBG
If this resonates, the next step is not guessing; it’s getting clarity.
You can ask your provider to run:
- SHBG
- Free testosterone
- Total testosterone
- Estrogen
- DHEA
- Progesterone
Because it’s not just about how much hormone you have…
It’s about how much is actually available to your body.
Want to Know What to Test?
If you’re unsure where to start, I created a simple guide to walk you through the most important labs.
The Female Lab List
This guide helps you understand which labs to consider for:
• Hormone health
• Fertility
• Whole-body wellness
So you can advocate for your health with clarity and confidence.
Want to Understand Your Low Libido More Deeply?
SHBG is just one piece of the puzzle.
If you’re ready to understand your unique root causes and reconnect with your body in a deeper way, this is exactly what I created this for.
Decoding Desire: A 4-Week Immersion
Inside this experience, you’ll learn how to:
- Identify the root causes of your low libido
- Support your hormones and nervous system
- Rebuild connection with your body
- Reclaim your desire in a way that feels natural and aligned
This is not about forcing libido.
It’s about understanding it.
Want Ongoing Support for Your Hormones?
If you are looking for deeper, ongoing support, the Womanhood Wellness Membership is where we bring all of this work together.
Inside, you’ll find support for:
- Hormone balance
- Libido and intimacy
- Fertility and cycle health
- Energy, mood, and overall well-being
This is a space where you learn how to work with your body instead of feeling disconnected from it.
Learn more here:
www.womanhoodwellness.com
Final Thoughts
Low libido is not always about low hormones.
Sometimes, it’s about how those hormones are being used in your body.
SHBG is one of those missing pieces that often gets overlooked.
But when you understand it, things start to make more sense.
And more importantly, you have a clearer path forward.
