What is free T3 test?
A test that measures both bound and free T3 is called a total T3 test. Another test called free T3 just measures free T3. Either test may be used to check T3 levels. If T3 levels are not normal, it can be a sign of thyroid disease. Other names: thyroid function test; total triiodothyronine, free triiodothyronine, FT3.
What is the normal range for free T3?
Normal Results The range for normal values are: Total T3 — 60 to 180 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), or 0.9 to 2.8 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) Free T3 — 130 to 450 picgrams per deciliter (pg/dL), or 2.0 to 7.0 picomoles per liter (pmol/L)
What does elevated free T3 mean?
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).
What is T3 test in thyroid?
A T3 test is performed as part of an evaluation of thyroid function. It measures the blood level of the hormone T3 (triiodothyronine), some of which is produced directly by the thyroid gland.
What is free T3 and free T4?
These hormones are: T3 (triiodothyronine), which contributes to the body’s muscle control, digestion, heart function, and bone health; and T4 (thyroxine), which helps maintain metabolism, mood, and body temperature.
How do I increase my free T3?
Eating a portion of Essential Fats at every meal which includes extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil, raw unsalted nuts and seeds, avocados and oily fish, will improve thyroid hormone levels as our cell receptors become more able to take up thyroid hormone.
What does a low free T3 mean?
Low T3 levels Low T3 test results can indicate an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. Sometimes, low T3 can also indicate starvation. According to the ATA, a person can develop an underactive thyroid due to autoimmune disease, or as a result of radiation treatment or thyroid surgery.
What are the symptoms of low T3?
Symptoms
- Fatigue.
- Increased sensitivity to cold.
- Constipation.
- Dry skin.
- Weight gain.
- Puffy face.
- Hoarseness.
- Muscle weakness.
Why is free T3 test so important?
WHY Testing ‘Free’ T3 Is So Important. The thyroid constantly releases hormones into the blood so a blood test is a simple way to check how much the thyroid is producing. Free triiodothyronine (FT3) test: Low levels are a sign of an underactive thyroid. When you test ‘free’ T3 you are measuring the amount of T3 that is unbound and
What causes high T3 free?
– Too much thyroid hormone. The most common cause of high reverse T3, by far, is an excessive dose of thyroid medication. – An undiagnosed stressor on the body, like an illness, a medication reaction, or an infection. – A lab error. – No reason – it is possible for rT3 to be high in healthy people.
What does free T3 level mean?
Triiodothyronine or T3 is the most biologically active thyroid hormone in humans. The term “free T3” means the amount of T3 that is not bound to proteins in the blood. T3 acts on almost every cell in the body by setting the metabolic rate of the cell. T3 is also critical for growth and development, especially in fetuses and children.
Is free T3 a fasting test?
Yes, overnight fasting of 10-12 hours is required before a free triiodothyronine test. Can I undergo an FT3 Test if I am pregnant? Yes, you can undergo an FT3 test if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your child.