What are T3 and T4 Hormones?

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 Introduction

  • The thyroid is a little gland at the base of your neck that resembles a butterfly. Despite its modest size, it has a huge effect on your health. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are its two main hormones. Your body's metabolism, or how it turns food into energy, is controlled by these hormones.
  • It is crucial to keep T3 and T4 in the right proportions. If you have hypothyroidism, your body slows down. In excess, it accelerates (hyperthyroidism). Everything related to T3 and T4 hormones will be covered in this blog, including typical levels, symptoms, causes, treatments, and lifestyle advice.

What are T3 and T4 Hormones?

1. Triiodothyronine, or T3, is a hormone.

The active thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine, or T3, controls metabolism and has an impact on almost all bodily physiological functions. T3 is more powerful and physiologically active than T4, even though the thyroid generates less of it.

2. Thyroxine, or T4 Hormone

The inactive version of the hormone that the thyroid gland produces in greater amounts is called T4, or thyroxine. T4 is the precursor to T3 since it is transformed into T3 in a number of tissues, including the liver and kidneys.

Role of the Thyroid Gland:

  1. Controlled by Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland.
  2. Every cell in the body is impacted by T3 and T4, which control metabolism, digestion, heart rate, temperature, and mental wellness.

T3 and T4 Hormone Functions

The two hormones are necessary for:
  • Controlling metabolism
  • Keeping the body temperature stable
  • assisting with cardiac function
  • Regulating the development of the brain
  • Increasing the production of energy
  • Controlling the digestive process
  • Increasing the health of bones
  • controlling fertility and menstrual cycles

How Are T3 and T4 Produced?

The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis regulates the synthesis of T3 and T4. The procedure is as follows:
  • Thyrotropin-releasing hormone, or TRH, is released by the hypothalamus.
  • TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is released by the pituitary gland in response to stimulation from TRH.The thyroid gland produces T3 and T4 in response to stimulation from TSH.
  • Through a negative feedback loop, the levels of T3 and T4 control the synthesis of TRH and TSH.

Normal Levels of T3 and T4

Test

Normal Range

Total T3

-         80–200 ng/dL

Free T3

-         2.3–4.2 pg/mL

Total T4

-         5.0–12.0 µg/dL

Free T4

-         0.8–1.8 ng/dL

TSH

-         0.4–4.0 mIU/L (ideal range: 1.0–2.5 for many people)

Factors that Influence T3 and T4 Levels:

Get older

  1. Gender (thyroid problems are more common in women)
  2. T4 levels rise during pregnancy.
  3. Hours of the day (hormone levels change)

Symptoms of T3 and T4 Imbalances

Hypothyroidism (Low T3/T4) Symptoms:

  1. Gaining weight
  2. Weariness
  3. Skin that is dry
  4. Depression
  5. Intolerance for cold
  6. sluggish heartbeat
  7. Constipation
  8. Hair loss or thinning
  9. irregular menstruation

Hyperthyroidism (High T3/T4) Symptoms:

  1. Loss of weight (despite eating well)
  2. Fast heartbeat
  3. Anxiety or nervousness
  4. Sleeplessness
  5. Intolerance for heat
  6. Having diarrhea
  7. eyes that swell (Graves' illness)
  8. tremors
  9. Menstrual irregularities

Symptoms in Children:

  1. Growth retardation
  2. Postponed puberty
  3. Learning challenges

Causes of Abnormal T3 and T4 Levels

Causes of Hypothyroidism:

  1. Thyroiditis caused by Hashimoto's disease (autoimmune thyroid damage)
  2. Lack of iodine
  3. Secondary hypothyroidism due to pituitary gland dysfunction
  4. Some drugs (like amiodarone and lithium)
  5. Thyroid surgery or radiation therapy

Causes of Hyperthyroidism:

  1. Graves' autoimmune disease
  2. Goiter or nodules on the thyroid
  3. Consuming too much iodine
  4. Thyroid hormone overmedication
  5. Thyroid inflammation, or thyroiditis

Diagnosis and Thyroid Function Tests

Tests:

  1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Initial screening
  2. Free T3 and Free T4: Measures the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood.
  3. Both bound and unbound hormones are included in total T3 and T4.
  4. Thyroid Antibodies: Identify autoimmune disorders such as Graves' or Hashimoto's
  5. Ultrasound: Finds goiter, cysts, or nodules
  6. The radioactive iodine uptake test evaluates the thyroid's iodine use, which is helpful in diagnosing hyperthyroidism.

Treatment Options

For Hypothyroidism:

  1. Levothyroxine (a T4 hormone replacement) is the medication used to treat hypothyroidism.
  2. Monitoring: Initially, TSH and Free T4 were measured every 6–12 weeks.
  3. Changes in dosage according to symptoms, age, and weight

Anti-thyroid Drugs for Hyperthyroidism:

  1. Propylthiouracil or Methimazole
  2. Overactive thyroid tissue is destroyed with radioactive iodine therapy (RAI).
  3. Surgery (thyroidectomy): When there are huge goiters or severe instances
  4. Beta-blockers: Control signs such as elevated heart rate

During pregnancy, T3 and T4

Particularly in the first trimester, thyroid hormones are essential for the development of the fetal brain. TSH, T3, and T4 levels should be evaluated as soon as possible in pregnant women. Thyroid problems that go untreated can cause developmental delays, preterm birth, and miscarriages.

Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Thyroid Health

Best Foods:

  • Foods high in iodine include dairy, seaweed, and iodized salt (for hypothyroid).
  • Selenium: sunflower seeds, eggs, and Brazil nuts
  • Zinc: Whole grains, spinach, and pumpkin seeds
  • Omega-3s: flaxseeds and fish

Foods to Avoid (Especially with Hypothyroidism):

  • Raw, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage) in excess
  • Foods made from soy
  • For autoimmune thyroiditis, gluten
  • Highly processed and sugary foods

Lifestyle Advice:

  • Sleep for 7 to 8 hours
  • Use yoga or meditation to reduce stress.
  • Frequent exercise to boost metabolism
  • Steer clear of tobacco and excessive alcohol.

Conclusion

The hormones T3 and T4 are essential for metabolism, energy, and general well-being. Numerous symptoms, many of which are frequently misinterpreted or ignored, might result from an imbalance. Checking your thyroid hormone levels may help with issues like anxiety, exhaustion, or unexplained weight changes.

Do not panic if you have been diagnosed with thyroid problems. The majority of thyroid disorders are treatable with the correct medicine, food, and lifestyle adjustments. Before altering your course of therapy, always get your doctor's approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1.  Can T3/T4 levels be impacted by stress?

Indeed. Prolonged stress raises cortisol levels, which over time may inhibit thyroid function.

Q2.  Does TSH matter more than T3/T4?

Although TSH is a primary signal, a complete picture requires interpretation in conjunction with Free T3 and Free T4.

Q3.  Is it possible to naturally balance thyroid hormones?

Avoiding pollutants, controlling stress, and maintaining a nutritious diet all help. But some people require medication for the rest of their lives.

Q4.  How frequently should my thyroid be tested?

On an annual basis if you're stable.
If symptoms occur or medication needs to be adjusted, every 6–8 weeks.

 

 

Location: India

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