Sex hormone binding globulin: the carrier protein for d-norgestrel

The binding of different synthetic steroids, used in hormonal contraception, to Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) was studied by measuring their ability to displace tritiated testosterone from SHBG in a competitive protein binding system. Only 19-nortestosterone derivates had any significant ability to displace testosterone from SHBG, d-norgestrel (d-Ng) being the strongest displacer. Increasing the SHBG levels in women with previous constant plasma d-Ng levels increased these levels two- to sixfold. It is concluded that SHBG is the main carrier protein for d-Ng. The strong testosterone displacing activity of d-Ng might also explain androgenic side effects observed with d-Ng containig oral contraceptives.