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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.
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