What does reverse T3 tell you?

The Reverse T3 (RT3) test measures the inactive form of the hormone T3 or Triiodothyronine. Triiodothyronine is one of two major hormones produced by the thyroid (the other is T4, or thyroxine). Under normal conditions, the body converts T4 to T3 and RT3 in specific ratios.

What does it mean when your reverse T3 is elevated?

Some have theorised that reverse T3 and active T3 compete for receptor sites at a cellular level, meaning an excessive amount of reverse T3 may limit the amount of active T3 that can act on the cell. If T3 cant bind and act on a cellular level, symptoms of hypothyroidism may result.

Does reverse T3 cause weight gain?

According to alternative medicine and naturopathic practitioners, rT3 levels can become elevated due to several factors, including stress, synthetic T4 medications, and liver disease. This subsequent rise in rT3 can supposedly trigger hypothyroid symptoms, including fatigue and weight gain [4].

What is the role of reverse T3?

Reverse T3 (rT3) is a metabolically inactive form of thyroid hormone, which is generated from T4 via the type 3 5′-deiodinase enzyme. In addition to producing rT3, the type 3 5′-deiodinase enzyme is also responsible for decomposing rT3 into inactive diiodothyronine.

What are the symptoms of high reverse T3?

The conversion of T4 to reverse T3 is increased in times of stress and illness. Reverse T3 causes fatigue, difficulty losing weight, brain fog, muscle aches and all the other symptoms of hypothyroidism.

What are the symptoms of high T3?

Listed below are other symptoms of too much T3 and T4 in your body (hyperthyroidism):

  • Anxiety.
  • Irritability or moodiness.
  • Nervousness, hyperactivity.
  • Sweating or sensitivity to high temperatures.
  • Hand trembling (shaking)
  • Hair loss.
  • Missed or light menstrual periods.

What is optimal reverse T3?

Optimal Metabolism is measureable and specifically defined by the FT3 (free T3) in the upper 20% of the normal range, the TT3/RT3 ratio (total T3/reverse T3) between 10-15, and the FT4 > 0.6.

Why do doctors not test reverse T3?

There is a second T3 test — known as the “free T3” test — that looks for only certain types of T3 hormone in your blood. But, doctors usually don’t order this test because the results aren’t as helpful.

How do you treat high T3 levels?

High T3 levels

  1. antithyroid drugs, which reduce the thyroid’s ability to make hormones.
  2. beta-blockers, which block the action of thyroid hormones.
  3. radioactive iodine, which damages thyroid cells in a controlled way.
  4. surgery in which a surgeon removes part or all of the thyroid gland.

How can I lower my T3 naturally?

Foods to eat if you have hyperthyroidism

  1. non-iodized salt.
  2. coffee or tea (without milk or dairy- or soy-based creamers)
  3. egg whites.
  4. fresh or canned fruit.
  5. unsalted nuts and nut butters.
  6. homemade bread or breads made without salt, dairy, and eggs.
  7. popcorn with non-iodized salt.
  8. oats.

What is the optimal range for reverse T3?

Reverse T3 (rT3): This test measures the amount of reverse T3 that is produced. The production of rT3 typically takes place in cases of extreme stress, such as major trauma, surgery or severs chronic stress. Reverse T3 laboratory range is 90 to 350 pg/ml. Reverse T3 functional or optimal range is 95 to 345 pg/ml.

What causes high reverse T3 levels?

Prolonged stress and toxicity are the major causes of reverse T3 dominance. Unrelenting stress results in high levels of cortisol , the main hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress.

What does reverse T3 show?

Reverse T3 Blood Test. The Reverse T3 (RT3) test measures the inactive form of the hormone T3 or Triiodothyronine.

What medications cause low T3 levels?

Some medications that can affect your T3 levels include: thyroid-related drugs steroids birth control pills or other medications containing hormones, such as androgens and estrogens