What does a reverse T3 test show?

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 is optimal range for reverse T3?

Many Functional Medicine practitioners are in agreement that a Free T3 to Reverse T3 ratio of > 20 is ideal. This is basically saying that you want at least 20 times as much Free T3 to Reverse T3 to be in the best health.

Can reverse T3 be too low?

Currently, low levels of rT3 are not known to cause any health effects [4]. However, low rT3 is often the result of reduced levels of T4.

Why would reverse T3 be low?

What does it mean if your Reverse T3, Serum result is too low? Decreased rT3 levels in the serum are uncommon. When it occurs, it usually happens in people with hypothyroidism or those being treated with growth hormones or steroids.

Why is reverse T3 important?

Reverse T3 (rT3) This is often ordered in conjunction with a T4 test because it’s a hormone produced from your T4’s metabolism. If you’re experiencing chronic stress, depression, brain fog, anxiety, weight fluctuations or hair loss, your doctor may recommend this test for you.

What does low reverse T3 tell you?

Conclusion: Reverse T3 is a reliable laboratory test differentiating between Central Hypothyroidism and “Euthyroid Sick Syndrome” in subjects with low free T4 and low/normal TSH levels.

How do you increase reverse T3?

One of the treatments for high rT3 is to place you on a sustained release T3 for 2 or 3 months the negative feedback to the pituitary will slow down the production of T4 and hence will slow down the production of rT3. You will feel better with lower rT3 levels since T3 will be able to bind unopposed to receptors.

What labs are abnormal with Hashimoto’s?

High TSH levels in the blood indicates hypothyroidism. T-4 tests. The main thyroid hormone is thyroxine (T-4). A low blood level of T-4 confirms the findings of a TSH test and indicates the problem is within the thyroid itself.

What blood test indicates Hashimoto?

TSH test. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland. When the pituitary detects low thyroid hormones in the blood, it sends TSH to the thyroid to prompt an increase in thyroid hormone production. High TSH levels in the blood indicates hypothyroidism.

Is reverse T3 important?

Reverse T3: Reverse T3 (rT3) is a byproduct of thyroid hormone metabolism. This test is not generally recommended for routine evaluation of thyroid disorders. Reverse T3 levels is elevated in sick euthyroid syndrome but has no other clinical value.

Can reverse T3 cause weight gain?

The balance of T3 and rT3 is based on your body’s energy needs. With less-than-optimal T4, hypothyroidism is usually characterized by low T3 and low rT3. Yet, sometimes, unexpectedly high rT3 can develop if you are hypothyroid. This can cause weight gain, and it may also be caused by weight gain.

Why is my reverse T3 low?

What causes high reverse T3?

– 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 is normal range for reverse T3?

We believe testing T3 levels is crucial to understanding a fuller picture of your thyroid function. We test the following T3 levels: total T3, free T3, and reverse T3. All can be measured via a blood test. Optimal reverse T3 levels would be around 15.

What is a high reverse T3 level?

The reverse T3 test is a way to determine, therefore, how sick a person may be from a systemic or acute illness because this hormone stops the tissues from absorbing the hormone to consume energy. It is believed that high reverse T3 levels help the body be able to conserve total energy until the stress upon it has been relieved.

What are normal reverse T3 levels?

TSH. – TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone and it is produced in the pituitary gland in your brain.