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Triiodothyronine (T3) and weight loss
are often discussed together for good reason!
T3
is the most potent thyroid hormone that naturally revs up your metabolism. Far
greater amounts of T3 are converted from thyroxine (T4) when your body wants to
step up metabolism. Low T3 is associated with sluggish
metabolism and many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Adequate
T3 assists fat burning which is important for weight loss. It can also reduce many of
the other symptoms of an under active thyroid. This thyroid hormone is also
involved in stimulating energy production and protects against heart
palpitations.
In
fact, low T3 can have far-reaching effects in the body. Reduced T3 activity is
often associated with a slow heart rate, lower than normal body temperature, thyroid hair loss and chronic fatigue.
A
single T3 test of your T3 level therefore provides the best clue as to how your
thyroid is working.
If
you are finding it hard to lose weight it is a good idea to discuss doing a
free T3 test with your health practitioner.
Should
you get a T3 test?
Getting
a diagnosis of hypothyroidism has sparked an ongoing debate on what thyroid
hormones should be tested and the levels that will reveal a thyroid hormone
deficiency.
A
single test of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is often the preferred test
used by medical practitioners to diagnose a thyroid disorder.
TSH
is not actually produced in the thyroid. It is a hormone made by the pituitary
gland which is located in the brain. When the pituitary releases TSH this
hormone travels to the thyroid to stimulate the release of the thyroid
hormones. The thyroid responds by getting busy making your thyroid hormones.
When
TSH is high this indicates the thyroid is functioning below par and therefore
requires more stimulation than usual.
The
problem lies in defining a ‘normal’ range for TSH. I have found that even when
TSH is considered ‘normal’ many individuals experience symptoms of
hypothyroidism. A TSH test result should ideally be less than 2.0 mIU/L.
Watch
this Video Below Here – Interpreting Thyroid labs, part 1.Low TSH. Saul Marcus Naturopathic Doctor
An
accurate assessment of thyroid health can only be achieved by testing 5 key thyroid hormones. A measure
of both T4 and T3 along with TSH is therefore essential.
When
discussing a T3 test with your doctor it is best to specify testing free T3.
The majority of T3 in the blood is carried by a protein compound called
thyroxine binding globulin. A small amount of T3 is unattached and ‘free’ to do
its job. A T3 blood test usually measures both bound and free T3. When you test
free T3 you are measuring the active component.
Your T3 blood test result - What is considered a good number?
The
standard reference range for free T3 is 4.0-8.0 pmol/L. This provides a very
good clue that you ideally want to see your free T3 test result above 4.0
pmol/L.
If
you are experiencing the typical signs and symptoms of an under active thyroid
but your TSH, free T4, and even your free T3 appear to be normal you may want
to consider checking your reverse T3.
Should
you test thyroid antibodies?
A
measure of thyroid antibody levels will rule out Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
This is a common thyroid autoimmune disorder that tends to run in families and
affects women more than men.
If
you have swelling or discomfort around your throat your healthcare practitioner
should also perform a physical examination. If required a thyroid ultrasound
will provide a more in depth investigation of your thyroid.
Read
the following related articles:
Author Bio:
Louise O’ Connor,
the author of The Natural Thyroid Diet –The 4-Week Plan to Living Well, Living Vibrantly, who
is a specialist in Thyroid Health. She is a highly regarded Australian
Naturopath and founder of Wellnesswork.
The Natural Thyroid
Diet goes beyond diet advice and offers practical and effective ways to achieve
healthy thyroid levels within just a short period of time. For more details,
Click on
The-Natural-Thyroid-Diet.com
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