What does it mean when your free T4 is high?
High levels of any of these tests (total T4, free T4, or free T4 index) may indicate an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism. Low levels of any of these tests (total T4, free T4, or free T4 index) may indicate an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism.
Which is more important TSH or free 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.
Can you have a normal TSH and abnormal T4?
When the thyroid gland becomes inefficient such as in early hypothyroidism, the TSH becomes elevated even though the T4 and T3 may still be within the “normal” range.
What does high free T4 and low TSH mean?
A low level of TSH and high levels of T3 and/or T4 usually means you have an overactive thyroid. Doctors may refer to these measurements as “free” T3 and T4 (FT3 and FT4). What’s considered normal varies depending on things such as your age and the exact testing technique used by the laboratory.
How is high free T4 treated?
Medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery are treatment options of hyperthyroidism. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause bone loss or an irregular heartbeat. Both Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease can run in families.
How is high T4 treated?
Antithyroid Medications: Antithyroid medications (sometimes written anti-thyroid) prevent the thyroid from producing excess amounts of T4 and T3 hormones. There are 2 types of antithyroid medications used in the US—propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (also known as Tapazole).
What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?
7 Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Issues
- Fatigue.
- Weight gain.
- Weight loss.
- Slowed heart rate.
- Increased heart rate.
- Sensitivity to heat.
- Sensitivity to cold.
What are symptoms of high T4?
High amounts of T4, T3, or both can cause an excessively high metabolic rate….Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- increased appetite.
- nervousness.
- restlessness.
- inability to concentrate.
- weakness.
- irregular heartbeat.
- difficulty sleeping.
- fine, brittle hair.
What if my thyroid levels are normal but I still have symptoms?
Some people treated for hypothyroidism may still experience symptoms even if blood tests show that their thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are well within the normal range.
What is Hashimoto’s Syndrome?
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate many functions in the body.
Can stress cause high T4 levels?
The impact of stress on the thyroid occurs by slowing your body’s metabolism. This is another way that stress and weight gain are linked. When thyroid function slows during stress, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormone levels fall.
What happens if you have too much T4?
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body’s metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Several treatments are available for hyperthyroidism.
What does a low TSH and high T4 mean?
People who have a low TSH from taking thyroid medication may have low, normal, or high free T3/free T4 which differentiates this condition from low TSH (4) caused by overproduction of the body. Also, those with this condition may have variable symptoms ranging from those of hyperthyroidism to those of hypothyroidism.
Is your free T4 really in the normal range?
Your free T4 level is normal, meaning your body is getting enough thyroid hormone. It is your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level that is above the normal range, which indicates your thyroid gland has to work harder to pump out that thyroid hormone.
What are the reasons for high TSH levels?
Normal TSH – Adults should have TSH hormone levels that range from 0.4-4.2 mU/L.
How high is too high for TSH?
The standard reference range for the TSH level is anywhere between 0.30 and 5.0 uIU/mL. If your TSH level is higher than 5.0 uIU/mL, then the lab will flag you as “high,” and you may experience the symptoms listed above 5.0 uIU/mL. Values of the TSH level more than 10.0 uIU/mL need long-term thyroid supplements.