What is the difference between T3 and T4 thyroid hormones?
They're often collectively referred to as “thyroid hormone” because T4 is largely inactive, meaning it doesn't impact your cells, whereas T3 is active. Once your thyroid releases T4, certain organs in your body transform it into T3 so that it can impact your cells and your metabolism.
What happens when T3 and T4 are high?
As its name suggests, hyperthyroidism occurs when your body makes too much of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and becomes overactive. If you have hyperthyroidism, you may experience a fast heartbeat, increased appetite, anxiety, sensitivity to heat, or sudden weight loss.
Which is important T3 or T4?
Because T4 is converted into another thyroid hormone called T3 (triiodothyronine), free T4 is the more important hormone to measure. Any changes show up in T4 first. T3 and T4 help to control how your body stores and uses energy to do its work (metabolism).
What are the 3 thyroid hormones?
The thyroid gland produces three hormones: Triiodothyronine, also known as T3. Tetraiodothyronine, also called thyroxine or T4. Calcitonin.
Which fruit is good for thyroid?
Blueberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, and other foods rich in antioxidants can improve overall health and benefit the thyroid gland.
What happens if T3 is low?
Low T3 levels may mean you have hypothyroidism, a condition in which your body doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. T3 test results are often compared with T4 and TSH test results to help diagnose thyroid disease.
What happens if T4 is low?
In general, T4 results that are lower than normal may be a sign of: Hypothyroidism, which may be caused by Hashimoto disease or another medical condition that causes your thyroid to make too little T4. Thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation) Side effects from certain drugs.
What are the symptoms of low T4?
Common symptoms include:tiredness.being sensitive to cold.weight gain.constipation.depression.slow movements and thoughts.muscle aches and weakness.muscle cramps.More items...
What causes low T3 levels?
Low T3 levels. Depending on your situation, this can be the result of different medications, recent thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, pregnancy, or iodine deficiency. Another cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your thyroid gland.
What is the main cause of thyroid problems?
Problems with the thyroid can be caused by: iodine deficiency. autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading either to hyperthyroidism (caused by Graves' disease) or hypothyroidism (caused by Hashimoto's disease) inflammation (which may or may not cause pain), caused by a virus or ...
What are the symptoms of high T4 levels?
SymptomsUnintentional weight loss, even when your appetite and food intake stay the same or increase.Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute.Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)Pounding of your heart (palpitations)Increased appetite.Nervousness, anxiety and irritability.More items...•
What is a good thyroid level?
The normal range of TSH levels in adults is between 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L (milli-international units per liter). Some research suggests that this range should actually be more like 0.45 to 2.5 mIU/L.
What is considered a dangerously high T4 level?
9 and 2.4 nanograms per deciliter. Total T4 tends to vary more with age. An abnormally high T4 level may indicate hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, or goiter. It may lead to additional tests for Graves' disease.
What happens if T4 level is high?
In general, T4 results that are higher than normal may be a sign of: Hyperthyroidism, which may be caused by Graves disease or another medical condition that causes your thyroid to make too much T4. Thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation) Toxic goiter (an enlarged thyroid with areas that make extra thyroid hormone)
What are the symptoms of high T4 levels?
SymptomsUnintentional weight loss, even when your appetite and food intake stay the same or increase.Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute.Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)Pounding of your heart (palpitations)Increased appetite.Nervousness, anxiety and irritability.More items...•
What does it mean if my T3 is high?
Higher-than-normal T3 levels typically indicate hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Hyperthyroidism has several causes, including Graves' disease (an autoimmune condition), thyroid nodules and thyroiditis (inflammation of your thyroid gland).