Thyroxine general and free: description and what is the difference? If free T4 is above normal

Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the human thyroid gland. Also known as tetraiodothyronine or T4, it plays an important role in the functioning of the entire body. This specific substance exists in two states: free and bound. Each of the varieties has its own differences and features that you need to know about. This will help you independently understand which analysis to take - on T4 general or free.

Since many functions of the body depend on this substance, each person should know what exactly it is responsible for, what its normal indicators are and why a deviation from those can be observed. This will help protect against the possible dangerous consequences of a deficiency or excess of tetraiodothyronine.

What is the common T4 hormone, and what is its difference from free?

To understand what kind of T4 hormone is common, it is necessary to consider in more detail what free thyroxine and T4 associated with transporter proteins are.

Free tetraiodothyronine is a hormone that is not bound by protein compounds. It is to identify it that most clinical analyzes are directed. If the substance binds to blood proteins, it is not free.

So what's the difference between T4 generic and free? Understanding the differences is very easy:

  1. If, during a clinical study of blood serum, the laboratory assistant has to determine only thyroxine that is not associated with proteins, then such a hormone is called free.
  2. In a clinical analysis to detect the level of total tetraiodothyronine, both free T4 and bound by transporter proteins are taken into account.

Thus, it is quite simple to understand how free T4 differs from general T4. Moreover, they perform almost the same functions, only their rate of content in the blood differs.

What analysis to take?

So, what analysis should be taken - T4 free or general? Of course, the decision is made exclusively by the endocrinologist, but the analysis for the content of free tetraiodothyronine in the blood serum is more in demand. This is due to the fact that the results of the study of general indicators can be influenced by all sorts of factors, due to the impact of which the data will be distorted.

However, sometimes blood biochemistry may be needed to determine the level of total thyroxin T4, although this study is extremely rare.

Functions of total tetraiodothyronine, its normal values

Having understood the difference between T4 free and general, it is necessary to consider in more detail the functions of the latter. This will help to realize its significance, thanks to which it will become clear why experimenting with hormones on your own is extremely undesirable, and sometimes even dangerous.

So, what is Thyroxin general T4 responsible for? This substance is actively involved in:

  • activation of all metabolic processes in the body, in particular, protein metabolism;
  • stabilization of heat and energy exchange;
  • improving the process of oxygen delivery to all cells of the body;
  • vitamin A production by the liver;
  • lowering the concentration of "bad" cholesterol in the blood, and with it triglycerides;
  • normalization and organization of the work of the central nervous system;
  • the formation of bone tissue and its regeneration in case of any damage.

All these processes are performed if tetraiodothyronine is within the normal range. And although in some cases deviations from it are not a sign of illness, it is still better to consult a doctor for diagnosis if there are suspicious symptoms (see below).

Norm indicators

The general T4 norm depends on the age category of the patient, and in women, on the condition. So, in pregnant women, the concentration of this substance is increased in the early stages and somewhat reduced in the last weeks. In other cases, the optimal indicators of tetraiodothyronine should be as follows.

  1. In newborns up to 1 month - in the range of 39 - 185 nmol / l.
  2. From a month to a year - in the range of 59 - 210 nmol.
  3. From 1 to 5 years - from 71 to 165 nmol.
  4. From 5 to 10 years - within 68 - 139 nmol.
  5. From 10 to 18 years - 58 - 133 nmol.
  6. In people over 18 years of age - in the range of 55 - 137 nmol.

There are certain circumstances under which test results can be distorted.

So, if thyroxine total T4 is elevated, this may be the result of taking hormonal drugs based on estrogen, thyroid drugs or synthetic thyroxine. In this case, nothing needs to be done - after the drug is discontinued or the course of therapy is completed, the tetraiodothyronine indicators will return to normal on their own.

If T4 is generally lowered, then such an anomaly may occur as a result of the use of corticosteroid drugs, sulfonamides, penicillin antibiotics, androgen-based hormonal drugs or potassium iodide.

How to prepare for research?

Analysis to determine the level of T4 requires serious preparation. To do this, you must follow these rules:

  1. 30 days before the study, stop taking thyreostatics and other hormonal drugs.
  2. For 3 days, refuse iodine-containing drugs.
  3. The day before the study, avoid stress and physical overload.
  4. At least 8-12 hours should elapse between eating and blood sampling.
  5. A quarter of a day before the analysis, refuse any drinks other than water.
  6. A few hours before the study, you can not smoke and drink alcohol, as well as chew tobacco.

A quarter of an hour before taking blood from a vein, you just need to sit or lie down. When performing the procedure, a person must be in a state of mental and physical rest, then the results will be as reliable as possible.

Causes and symptoms of T4 deviations from the norm

Often, an increase or decrease in the level of tetraiodothyronine in the blood serum indicates the development of pathological processes in the body. Each of these forms of deviation has its own symptoms and causes, which should be known to everyone.

T4 boost

If T4 total is elevated, then this may indicate the presence of:

  • neoplasms in the GM, accompanied by an increase in the level;
  • obesity;
  • glomerulonephritis, accompanied by nephrotic syndrome;
  • human immunodeficiency virus;
  • AIDS;
  • inflammation of the thyroid gland;
  • diffuse goiter;
  • chronic liver diseases.

If total thyroxine is elevated, this condition may be accompanied by:

  • increased sweating;
  • fast fatigue;
  • general weakness;
  • causeless outbursts of aggression, irritability;
  • increased heart rate and heart rate;
  • sudden weight loss;
  • trembling in the limbs.

Such symptoms should be the basis for contacting a doctor and undergoing an examination.

Why free thyroxine rises, find out from the article at the link

Decreased T4

What does it mean if T4 total is lowered? There are quite a few reasons, as in the previous case, and they can be sorted out only after a biochemical blood test and additional instrumental diagnostic procedures.

Hypothyroidism is one of the most frequent pathologies in which the thyroxin of the communities is lowered. This disease is accompanied by a decrease in the hormone-producing function of the thyroid gland, resulting in insufficient production of tetra- and triiodothyronine. The disease is not dangerous, but treatment, nevertheless, requires.

The reasons for low T4 free are described by reference.

Other reasons that the total T4 hormone is lowered may be:

  • taking thyreostatics and iodine-containing drugs in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis;
  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a disease during the development of which the immune system is activated, and its cells gradually destroy thyroid cells;
  • transferred TBI;
  • operations on the thyroid gland or in the brain area;
  • development of endemic goiter due to acute iodine deficiency;
  • inflammation in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.

The fact that thyroxin total T4 is lowered should not be a cause for panic. As a rule, this condition is lifelong, so hormonal drugs can be prescribed by an endocrinologist as replacement therapy. Without them, a decrease in the level of tetraiodothyronine can lead to serious ailments.

Often, when a doctor needs to see the quality of the thyroid gland, he prescribes an analysis for hormones. But in the list of results, in addition to the familiar triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), T4 total and T4 free are separately entered. Let's try to figure out how these indicators differ and what they can tell about our body.

How does the thyroid gland work

To begin with, let's remember what the thyroid gland is and what it is eaten with. So, a small, inconspicuous externally, but such an important organ is located on the neck, almost under the skin itself (which is why it is so easy, after a couple of touches, the doctor talks about an increase in the thyroid gland). Hundreds of small vessels approach this small glandular butterfly, and all of them, in addition to oxygen and other useful substances, carry iodine molecules to the thyroid gland.

Iodine is a favorite delicacy for our gland, because its cells synthesize a specific jelly - thyroglobulin, and it, in turn, combines with iodine and is stored in special follicles in this form. When the body signals that it lacks hormones, further changes occur in this colloid, and ready-made T4 enters the bloodstream, where it is immediately picked up by special transport proteins.

Thyroxin bound to a protein is considered to be bound. But there is a small percentage of T4, which, when it enters the bloodstream, does not combine with proteins, it is he who is called free. Accordingly, the total values ​​of bound and unbound T4 are T4 total.

T4 free

Once in the blood, only 0.4% of thyroxine does not bind to proteins. This free hormone has only two ways, either to turn into T3, or go through the body without metamorphosis, attach to the target cell and exert its effect. And thyroxin has a lot of functions. It increases the overall metabolism, heat generation in tissues, enhances the breakdown of lipids, increases the absorption of glucose in the intestine, in childhood enhances the work of growth hormone, etc.

In addition, T4 penetrates the very center of the cell and connects to the cell nucleus, where it activates RNA synthesis and causes the cell to divide and renew itself faster. So, T4 is free:

  • Not associated with transport proteins.
  • Moves with blood on its own.
  • It has a hormonal effect on the body.
  • Destroyed when passing through the kidneys and liver.
  • There is very little of it in the blood.
  • It stays in the body for a short period of time.

T4 bound

This is the same T4 hormone, but combined with special proteins (thyroxine-binding globulin, transthyretin and albumin). It cannot have any effect on the body, because its receptors are held by protein. In this state, it circulates through the vascular bed for months. T4 related:

  • Associated with transport proteins.
  • Transported to peripheral organs.
  • Does not have a hormonal effect on the body.
  • Not destroyed in the liver and kidneys.
  • In the blood a large amount.
  • In the bloodstream can circulate for a long period.
  • Dissociates from protein and turns into free T4 in case of stress, when the body's response to an irritant is needed very quickly.

General T4

Total T4 is the total amount of all thyroxine that is currently in the blood. This includes both bound and free faction. This indicator makes it clear how much of the total hormone entered the blood from the thyroid gland. The concentration of total thyroxine in a healthy person averages 64-150 nmol/l.

Why define these indicators

Fluctuations in the level of the hormone in the blood indicates the functional activity of the thyroid gland. T4 free in the blood is many times more, and therefore it is much easier to determine it. Most modern laboratories are able to do this analysis with an accurate result. With free thyroxine, it is a little more difficult; to determine it, you need an indicator that clearly reflects hyper- and hypofunction of the thyroid gland. An increase in total T4 may indicate many disorders, but the determination of only the free fraction indicates a specific pathology of the thyroid gland.

Free thyroxine is also more indicative during pregnancy (the level of proteins that bind thyroxin increases physiologically, respectively, total T4 may be normal, and free T4 is significantly reduced, which will affect the development of the fetus). In addition, the level of free T4 is very important for the diagnosis of atypical forms of thyrotoxicosis.

Physically, on ourselves, we feel an increase only in the free fraction of thyroxine. A high blood level of this hormone is accompanied by irritability, tachycardia (increased heart rate), tingling in the heart, tremors, sudden weight loss, and constant sweating. But if such a state lasts long enough, then the body's defenses begin to deplete, and hyperactivity is replaced by hypoactivity. Fatigue increases, signs of osteoporosis appear, immunity decreases sharply.

Low T4 has the opposite effect. The metabolism slows down, the breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates is very slow. A person gains weight, becomes lethargic, constantly tired, edema appears, bradycardia (slow heart rate) develops, memory reserves and speed of thinking decrease. This condition is especially dangerous for pregnant women. Because a decrease in the level of thyroid hormones can lead to irreversible consequences for the child - congenital hypothyroidism.

The human thyroid gland produces the hormone thyroxine, also known as T4. It plays an important role in various bodily functions, including growth and metabolism. Some of this hormone is found in the blood in a free, protein-free state. But more than 99% of thyroxin is bound by transport proteins, mainly by thyroxine-binding globulin. The total concentration of these two types - attached to the protein and free thyroxine - is called total thyroxine in the body.

T4 production is regulated by a feedback system. When the level of thyroxine in the blood decreases, the synthesis of the hormone thyroliberin increases in the hypothalamus, which acts on the pituitary gland and causes it to increase the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). In turn, thyroid-stimulating hormone acts on the thyroid gland, causing it to produce more thyroxine (T4). As the concentration of T4 in the blood increases, the release of TSH is suppressed.

The norm of thyroxine in the blood. Result interpretation (table)

A general blood test for thyroxine can be prescribed if the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, as a result of an appropriate analysis, deviates from normal in one direction or another. The total thyroxine test helps to evaluate the functioning of the thyroid gland and diagnose related pathologies, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypopituitarism, etc.

A blood test for thyroxine is generally prescribed if the patient has the following symptoms:

  • dryness and irritation of the eyes, swelling and protrusion,
  • dryness and swelling of the skin,
  • hair loss,
  • hand tremor,
  • cardiopalmus,
  • weight changes,
  • sleep problems, insomnia,
  • groundless anxiety,
  • chronic fatigue syndrome,
  • general weakness,
  • cold intolerance,
  • sensitivity to light
  • in women - menstrual irregularities.

Additionally, tests for the level of another thyroid hormone - T3, thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroxine-binding globulin can be prescribed. These tests help to better understand the problems associated with the thyroid gland. In some cases, this analysis is prescribed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment of diagnosed thyroid diseases.

Blood is taken from a vein, in the morning, on an empty stomach. During the day before the test, it is necessary to exclude physical and emotional stress.

The norm of total thyroxine in the blood of ordinary people and pregnant women:


If total thyroxine (T4) is elevated, what does this mean?

An increase in the level of total thyroxine is observed in the following diseases:

  • hyperthyroidism and goiter - diffuse toxic and multinodular toxic,
  • thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting tumors
  • biliary cirrhosis,
  • hepatitis,
  • choriocarcinoma,
  • acute mental disorders
  • diseases that cause an increase in the concentration of thyroxine-binding proteins in the body - a genetic disorder, acute intermittent porphyria, myeloma,
  • acute thyroiditis,
  • obesity.

An increase in the level of total thyroxin leads to the use of drugs containing T4, other thyroid drugs, oral contraceptives, as well as opiates, prostaglandins, drugs based on prazosin, propylthiouracil, propranolol, tamoxifen, phenothiazine.

The level of thyroxin often rises during pregnancy, so the expectant mother needs to carefully monitor her condition and follow the recommendations of the supervising doctor.

If the total thyroxine (T4) is lowered, what does this mean?

A decrease in the level of total thyroxin is observed in the following diseases:

  • underfunction of the thyroid gland - hypothyroidism,
  • inflammatory processes in the pituitary gland and in the hypothalamus,
  • sheehan syndrome,
  • renal syndrome - a pathology associated with excessive protein excretion from the body,
  • iodine deficiency in the diet,
  • Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome,
  • excretion of proteins through the gastrointestinal tract,
  • panhypopituitarism.

The rate of total thyroxine in the blood may decrease due to excessive physical exertion, as well as from taking certain medications, such as barbiturates and cytostatics, anabolic steroids, iodides, lithium-based drugs, antifungal, lipid-lowering and anticonvulsants, drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis, androgens and many others. That's why it's so important to tell your doctor about all the medications you've taken in recent months before taking the test.

Almost any process in a woman's body is associated with the hormone thyroxin.

It is important to know what free T4 is normal for in women.

Since the onset of pregnancy and its course depend on the concentration of this hormone.

So, what is the norm of this hormone and what does its fluctuations depend on?

The hormone thyroxine or T4 in a woman's body is associated with almost all the processes occurring in it.

It activates the activity of the central nervous system, accelerates protein metabolism, has a positive effect on the heart muscle, stimulates the absorption of vitamin A in the liver, lowers the amount of cholesterol in the blood, enhances metabolism in bone tissue, saturates them with oxygen and participates in heat production.

For women, this hormone is especially important because the work of the reproductive system depends on it.

It controls the formation and ovulation of eggs. Also, free T4 is responsible for the weight of a woman's body, affecting the metabolic rate and helping to rid the blood vessels of cholesterol plaques and blood clots.

The hormone thyroxine or T4 in the blood is measured in pmol (picomole) per liter. At the same time, the normal concentration in the blood in women is lower than in men, but only slightly. With the exception of the period of pregnancy, when the amount of the hormone increases several times depending on the duration of pregnancy.

After 40 years (approximately with the onset of menopause), thyroxine levels in a woman's blood decrease. At this age, the amount of T4 in the blood of women can range from 9 to 22 pmol per liter. But indicators from 10.3 to 24.5 pmol per liter are considered the norm. However, the values ​​may fluctuate for various reasons. But if the concentration of the hormone does not exceed the norm, then only a doctor can judge the elimination of factors affecting the indicators.

Usually the level of this hormone in women in the morning is higher. From 8 to 12 it is maximum, then gradually decreases and reaches its minimum concentration by 4 in the morning.

Also, the amount of the hormone depends on the time of year. From October to March, the content of T4 in the body of a woman is maximum, and in the summer months - minimum.

It is possible to bring the level of the hormone back to normal. The main thing is to eliminate the cause that caused the change in its amount in the body. Therefore, if a decrease or increase in the concentration of this hormone is caused by pregnancy or taking special medications, you should start treating the thyroid gland.

Tests for sex hormones are prescribed to diagnose certain diseases and when planning pregnancy. - types of studies and rules for preparing for delivery.

Read about the treatment of hypothyroidism with folk remedies. A selection of simple and effective recipes.

If the doctor has diagnosed "euthyroidism", there is no need to panic. This syndrome indicates that there are some abnormalities in the thyroid gland, but it is too early to talk about the disease. In this topic, everything about this syndrome and how to treat it.

Norm during pregnancy

Thyroxine has a huge impact on the formation of pregnancy. If the concentration of the free T4 hormone in a woman is normal, then the conception of a child occurs easily, and gestation proceeds without disturbance. If at conception, the level of the hormone is higher or lower than normal, there may be problems with conceiving or bearing a child.

During pregnancy, the amount of thyroxine in the body of a woman gradually increases.

Up to thirteen weeks of pregnancy, its level can vary from 12.1 to 19.6 pmol per liter.

Between the thirteenth and twenty-eighth weeks, the thyroxin level varies from 9.6 to 17 pmol per liter. Starting from the twenty-eighth week and until the very birth - the level of T4 should be between 8.4 and 15.6 pmol per liter.

Free T4 levels affect not only the formation of pregnancy, but also its course and outcome.

In women with a pronounced endocrine pathology, not only the likelihood of becoming pregnant is reduced, but there is also a high risk of reproductive dysfunction and infertility.

Most often, pregnant women are diagnosed with diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland - goiter. But, the doctor must take into account that during pregnancy, other disorders in the thyroid gland are also possible.

If the pathology is diagnosed in a timely manner and treated, it is possible to restore the childbearing function or save the pregnancy that has already occurred.

Therefore, it is important for a woman to be observed by an endocrinologist throughout the entire time of bearing a child.

What causes fluctuations in thyroxine?

Fluctuations in thyroxin in the blood can be caused by various reasons.

T4 free increased with:

  • an increase in the amount of bilirubin in the blood;
  • TSH - independent thyrotoxicosis;
  • large overweight, obesity;
  • toxic goiter;
  • chorioncarcinoma;
  • myeloma;
  • thyroiditis;
  • chronic liver diseases;
  • gland adenoma;
  • nephrotic syndrome;
  • violation of the thyroid gland after childbirth;
  • taking certain medications (Aspirin, Furosemide, Tamoxifen, Propiluracil, Propranolol, Levothyroxine, Danazol, Valproic acid).

With the above reasons, the level of the hormone in the blood exceeds 22 pmol per liter.

In this case, the woman shows the following symptoms:

  • irascibility (increased stimulation of the nervous system);
  • rapid weight loss (high hormone levels cause an increase in the rate of fat breakdown);
  • increased sweating;
  • increased heart rate (too much energy is released as a result of the breakdown of fats, which negatively affects the functioning of the heart);
  • arrhythmia;
  • trembling in the limbs (excessively high speed of transmission of impulses through the neuromuscular system).

This condition requires immediate treatment, as it can lead to leaching of calcium from the bone tissue, which subsequently causes osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Also, the level of the hormone T4 may be below 9 pmol per liter. Causes of the phenomenon when T4 free is lowered:

  • treatment of diseases with the help of surgery;
  • sudden weight loss after obesity;
  • inflammatory processes in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland;
  • taking lithium, octreotide;
  • Sheehan's syndrome;
  • heavy physical activity;
  • the presence of formations in the thyroid gland;
  • the use of oral contraceptives;
  • traumatic brain injury;
  • taking heroin or anabolic steroids;
  • prolonged contact with heavy metals;
  • the use of anticonvulsants and thyreostatics;
  • lack of iodine in the body.

With a decrease in the level of the hormone, patients complain of:

  • drowsiness;
  • fast fatigue;
  • tearfulness;
  • cold intolerance;
  • muscle weakness;
  • dry skin, especially on the elbows and soles;
  • swelling of the face, feet, hands;
  • loss of appetite;
  • constipation;
  • hair loss;
  • fragility of nails;
  • shortness of breath;
  • weight gain;
  • arrhythmia.

A decrease in the level of T4 indicates insufficient production of the hormone. Unfortunately, when such a problem arises, a woman will have to take a synthetic hormone throughout her life, since the thyroid gland can no longer cope with its production in the proper amount.

If you feel unwell or before preparing for pregnancy, it is necessary to conduct tests for the T4 hormone. For its implementation, plasma extracted from venous blood is used.

The day before the analysis, it is necessary to reduce or completely eliminate physical activity, try not to be nervous. For 12 hours - you should not drink strong and sweet teas or coffee, fruit juices. Blood should be donated before the first meal.

In order to track the dynamics of the level of T4 in the blood, it is necessary to take a test for hormones from one to three times a month from one and a half to two years. Such data are necessary for women who have previously been diagnosed with toxic goiter, thyrotoxicosis, hypothyroidism, or their clinical picture is observed.

The full functioning of the thyroid gland is of great importance for carrying a pregnancy. What role does it play and how dangerous are deviations from the norm, read on.

Medicamentous and folk methods of treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism will be analyzed in the material.

Related video


Tetraiodothyronine, or T4, is a hormone synthesized by the human thyroid gland and performs important functions for the body. However, in some situations, its concentration may deviate from the norm in one direction or another, which is a serious wake-up call. To avoid health-threatening consequences, each person should know what it means if the T4 hormone is elevated, and how to bring it back to normal.

The main causes of an excess of tetraiodothyronine

To begin with, let's figure out what it means if free thyroxine is elevated. It should be noted that not always a deviation from normal indicators indicates serious health problems. In some categories of patients, the level of this substance may be slightly higher, in others it may be lower, and this is due to the individual characteristics of the organism.

But often, if free thyroxine is elevated, this indicates a violation of the thyroid gland. If the situation is not responded to in time, the pathological process can affect other internal organs and systems. Then getting rid of the problem will be much harder.

So, if the free T4 hormone is elevated, this may indicate:

  • the development of autoimmune diseases;
  • deficiency of iodine, iron or other minerals;
  • dysfunction of the adrenal glands;
  • an increase in the hormone prolactin during breastfeeding;
  • infectious diseases of various etiology and severity.

However, if free T4 is elevated and GGT is normal, this may also be due to:

  • adherence to a diet with the use of a large amount of soy products;
  • unfavorable heredity;
  • chronic fatigue;
  • frequent and severe stress;
  • abuse of coffee and alcohol;
  • chronic alcoholism.

In addition, one of the reasons that free T4 is increased may be living in an environmentally polluted environment, as well as working at "harmful" enterprises. For example, with the systematic intake of bromine in large quantities in the body, the concentration of the substance can increase so much that a person may well develop thyrotoxicosis.

The use of medications and an increase in T4 in pregnant women

If T4 is elevated with normal TSH during hormone therapy, we can say that this is a common occurrence. Of course, it cannot be called normal, but it should not be considered dangerous to the life or health of the patient either.

So, high free T4 can be the result of hormone therapy in the treatment of various thyroid pathologies, as well as in the abuse of hormonal contraceptives. But other medications can also provoke a jump in the level of tetraiodothyronine, so only the attending physician should conduct therapy and control it.

T4 in expectant mothers

What does it mean if free T4 is elevated in pregnant women? If such a deviation is observed in the first trimester, then the experience is in vain: this is a completely natural phenomenon caused by hormonal changes in the body. After all, not only the uterus, ovaries and mammary glands react to the development of a new life in the mother's tummy, but also the endocrine system, in particular, the thyroid gland. As the fetus grows, the level of tetraiodothyronine will decrease, and, eventually, will become minimal in the last months.

But if T4 is elevated during late pregnancy, this may indicate thyrotoxicosis - excessive production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Such a deviation occurs with a powerful hormonal failure, preeclampsia and other diseases that often develop in expectant mothers, because their body during this period is not as well protected as it was before pregnancy.

Symptoms of elevated T4

If the T4 hormone is elevated, the body reacts quite sharply to such a deviation. Symptoms of an excess of tetraiodothyronine are manifested through the occurrence of:

  • hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating);
  • rapid fatigue, loss of strength;
  • atrial fibrillation;
  • rapid heartbeat;
  • trembling in the upper limbs;
  • drastic weight loss.

If free T4 is elevated, there is an increased breakdown of body fat, which leads to the release of more energy than with a normal level of this substance. This results in:

  • increase in the intensity of heart contractions;
  • increased muscular and nervous excitability;
  • violation of the normal metabolism in the body.

If such deviations are not responded to in a timely manner, the existing problem will not be solved. On the contrary, elevated free T4 can cause serious malfunctions in the body, which subsequently lead to serious complications.

When is analysis needed?

A biochemical blood test, if free thyroxine T4 is elevated, is necessary with severe symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. Also, a wake-up call and an impetus for contacting an endocrinologist should be frequent unreasonable attacks of arrhythmia, accompanied by shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, chest pain.

However, not only an increased concentration of tetraiodothyronine is an indication for biochemical analysis. A low level of this substance also requires increased attention, since it affects all processes in the body without exception, and can cause the development of serious anomalies.

Is it possible to reduce T4 folk remedies?

Treatment of elevated free T4 with folk remedies gives good results if the cause of the anomaly is not related to any serious pathologies. One of the most effective medicines is the following decoction.

In equal proportions, it is necessary to mix dried and well-chopped roots of elecampane, rhizome of the soulberry, rowan fruits, birch buds and St. John's wort. Place all the ingredients in 1 container, then brew with boiling water in a half-liter thermos. Leave for 2 hours, then filter and take 100 ml of infusion in the morning and evening.

You need to drink the medicine until the level of tetraiodothyronine reaches normal levels. But if the remedy does not help, it means that the cause of the ailment is more serious and requires immediate medical attention.

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