What is T4 to T3 Conversion? What ALL Thyroid Patients Should Know
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ย. 2024
- What is T4 to T3 conversion? T4 to T3 conversion is the most important aspect of thyroid function because it impacts T3 thyroid hormone levels.
T4 to T3 conversion is probably the most important aspect of thyroid function and it's something that you should be aware of if you have ANY thyroid problem.
T4 to T3 conversion refers to the process in which your body ACTIVATES thyroid hormone.
Most thyroid hormone is floating around in your body as T4 and, in order to be useful to the body, it must be converted into T3.
T3 is roughly 300x more biologically active than T4. It's not even close. T3 is, therefore, the most important thyroid hormone in your body.
And while doctors know that this process happens, they make the assumption that it occurs perfectly in all people.
This isn't the case, though.
In fact, many people struggle to convert T4 into T3 for a variety of reasons including their own genetics.
In this video, you will learn why this conversion process is so important, the various factors that positively impact thyroid conversion and the various factors which negatively impact it, and much more.
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): www.restartmed...
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- Supplements that everyone with hypothyroidism needs: bit.ly/3tekPej
- Supplement bundle to help reverse Hashimoto's: bit.ly/3gSY9eJ
- Supplements for those without a thyroid and for those after RAI: bit.ly/3tb36nZ
- Supplements for active hyperthyroidism: bit.ly/3t70yHo
See ALL of my specialized supplements including protein powders, thyroid supplements, and weight loss products here:
www.restartmed...
Want more from my blog? I have more than 400+ well-researched blog posts on thyroid management, hormone balancing, weight loss, and more. See all blog posts here:
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Disclaimer:
Dr. Westin Childs received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic medicine in 2013. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Childs is no longer practicing medicine and does not hold an active medical license so he can focus on helping people through videos, blog posts, research, and supplement formulation. To read more about why he is no longer licensed please see this page: www.restartmed...
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
Because of your videos, Dr. Childs, I requested T3 testing. My endo refused, but my PCP did. Turns out that my T3 is REALLY low even though my T4 and TSH are ok. My PCP prescribed T3 along with T4. It's day 2 and I'm already seeing improvement. I've been suffering for 6 months, but because of your info, I have hope to have a life again. Thank you!! The field of Endocrinology needs "renovation". If they won't even test T3 how can they help patients with conversion issues??
How are you doing these days? My T3 is low and I am anxious all the time. I feel it could be due to my low T3. Which medication did you take? Any side effects? Still on the medication? Hope you are well🙏🏼🙏🏼
@@danielagentile8049 I'm taking sustained release T3 (Liothyronine). It is making a big difference. I have to pay out of pocket as SR is made at a compounding pharmacy. SR makes ALL the difference!
@@danielagentile8049 I hope you feel better soon!!
Get a different endo and leave a bad review on that endo
Dr Westin Child’s is an expert indeed! Bless you for all this valuable information 🙏
Thank you for explaining the conversion of T4 to T3. I have been taking those supplements and noticed a big difference in my health.
Dr. C, you're a gift to our society. I have learned so much about this since finding your channel. Thank you!
Wow! Thank you, Dr Childs!
Life changing information for me ❤️
Excellent 👍🏼
Merry Christmas folks 🎄🎅🏼
I just found out that my T4 is barely converting to T3.so my Dr ( new functional medicine )is going to change my medication from Synthroid to Dessicated Thyroid. Thank you for this information because it clarifies a lot of things I have suspected in the past with treatment from my GP.
You're welcome!
I have been taking levothyroxine 50 mcg for years but the only tests my MD orders is for my TSH. I am going to ask him to test for T3 and T4 levels which will probably annoy him. Years ago I asked that my Vitamin D be tested and he said it was a waste of time but he ordered the test. Guess who had to start taking taking 2,000 IU of Vitamin D a day?
i have never been checked for t 3 or 4 ,and my g p said it was not nessisary to have it checked ,but i have been taking fish oil for years ,oddly,in hope that it would help my joins ,i cant thank you enough for your videos that explain soo much .i live in france ,and though the are great with other things ,thyroid is really low on their list ,when all i really needed was wnd is to have things explain , thank you for taking the time to do these videos
This was extremely helpful. Thank you.
thank you, it is really helpful! Can you elaborate more on the calories intake part? How to calculate the optimum level of daily calories intake with especially the amount of carbo? (of course assuming always the best source of carbos are taken into account)
This video has my name all over it. EB, Hashimotos just had blood drawn today. Very helpful info!!!!!!!!
Did you start medication or take the natural route?
I just got my T3 increased to 25 and T4 50 I am praying it works! I did the reversed T3 and found out it was high! 17! I read about it here and had it checked and took the test to my dr. Now she orders it as she know 13 which is where it was last is still too high! I go back in January.
I would take vitamin D3 in higher doses and vitamin mk4 which is synthetic. D3 has the potential to sort out autoimmune conditions because the deficiency of this vitamin worsen autoimmune diseases. Mk4 prevents side effects of the increased calcium and phosphate absorption that D3 enables.
Autoimmune conditions which are inflammatory conditions signal the body to lower the flame thus increasing rT3.
I wish you well
@@elitemangudai1016 I am on D3 5K, K Mk7 100, zinc 30, 2500 B12, fish oil. Selenium 3 fresh Brazilian nuts daily, B complex, I eat mostly protein, vegetables and salad once in a while I have those 5 carb wraps, I pretty much changed the way I eat, also eat an avocado every day, I use 2 tablespoon of MCT oil everyday, and only 1 teaspoon of brown sugar for my coffee 4 grams. I started my new compound two days ago so I’ll see how it goes. Thank you
@@Milagroscrs That seems like a pretty well thought regiment. How is that going ? did you lose any weight ?
@@farahj.3361 I read that taking more than 10 mg of zinc does not work, so I stopped the 30 mg and taking only 10 mg now. Compounding works best for me, it’s a long process I am still working on finding my sweet spot! I wish you all the best! Keep researching as drs won’t tell you even a 1/4 of what Dr Child’s knows!
Hi Milagros! How are you doing these days? How did you increase your T3? I am dealing with a low t3 and anxious 24/7. I have a feeling it is due to my low T3. Hope to hear from you soon. Hope you are doing well🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thank you so much! This is helpful.
Lots of good info
Hello doctor and happy new year!I have been watching your videos lately as they are really informative. I have a question for you. Since the t3 is the active thyroid hormone, what's the reason for supplementing with t4 or a t4+t3 combination instead of giving to our body straight cytomel or triiodothyronine in general?And a second question I am a 37 year old man my tsh level is quite high fluctuating from 2-5 during the last years my ft4 is low end of normal range but my ft3 is really good plus rt3 is mid range. What these results mean in my case? I mean the the active thyroid hormone which is ft3 is really good but despite that my ft4 and tsh are not that good. What should I do in my case, I am really confused. Most endocrinologists say that I don't require treatment!
Why cannot we increase D2 enzyme directly ? @doctor Westin childs
That's what I was thinking. It seems if we could fix that it would solve alot of problems.
I just ordered your T3 conversion supplement that just became available. Love your products.
Glad you like them!
Can you do a video on t3 mono therapy! The pros and cons and your opinion on it! Thanks
Please link the video on exercise and types of exercise that you mentioned in this video. I couldn't find it on your channel. I found the one on cycle syncing but not the other one. Are those both same?
Dr. I have watched a number of your videos and the thought occurred to me what if I couldn't get my Synthroid. What options would I have to survive? From you video, I think I am most likely in stage 4. Would I have to make my own NDT? As it is desiccated animal thyroid, could it be prepared in a food dehydrator, crushed and taken orally? Could you address this concern?
Thanks, Rick M
If I increase my T3 with natural desiccated thyroid supplement, will it cause me to get anxiety or lose more sleep? I have trouble sleeping now even with Rx meds! This question is for anyone who has experience with natural desiccated thyroid supplements. Thanks guys!
I do have a t4 to t3 problem
My PCP prescribed a small does of liothionine because my T3 is really low. However, she said that my T4 is "normal" so I should stay on the same dose. But I remember somewhere that I should reduce slightly the T4 if I start T3. Can you shed light on that?
I also take a low dose of t3. Intuitively, I take a half a pill less of t4 when taking more t3. I get the smallest pills prescribed so I can tweak the dosage in accordance to my cycle, exercise, herbal regimen and so forth. I know my doctors probably find me a difficult patient because they are stuck on a thinking I need to be on a constant dosage for labs to be meaningful. I don’t even think they order the full labs to get a meaningful picture.
Hey guys, Dr Sellout here!
Thank you for sharing this information! Curious if you have anything to share on iodine sensitivity, how iodine can cause some patients to feel worse.
Thank you! I take selenium and zinc and l tyrosine. About six months after I first started on low dose t3 my doctor tested my labs in the afternoon and my t3 was low! Total t3 is what was ordered. I found benefit from taking t3 in the afternoon, sometimes a half a dose spaced at least five hours apart. I am curious to experiment with the t2 hormone supplement. I am someone who was initially diagnosed with hyperthyroidism before it swinging to hypothyroidism. I was young, got off of gluten and into yoga and was taken off all thyroid medication. Seven years later while finishing my last year of undergrad I had symptoms of low thyroid. This was two years after supplementing iodine and feeling great for about a year. When I had symptoms of low thyroid again iodine made me feel worse. I was diagnosed with serum deficient hashimotos and have never tested positive for that antibody. I have a tendency to get thyroiditis symptoms of chest palpaciones and jaw pain with iodine. Perhaps because of a solid benign nodule on my thyroid. It was years before I eventually found a way to get on low dose thyroid meds because my labs were in the high normal range and I had non-cardiac chest pain when even taking a half of the smallest t4 pill and had to start with a quarter of a pill and work my way up to a therapeutic dose. Anyways, love discovering new sources of thyroid info. Am really curious how to find a way to maintain optimal levels, energy level, and weight as I approach perimenopause. Think that the exercise level and intermittent fasting adds a strain, and I will continue to dabble with the hormones, supplements, and Chinese herbs - they are magical for me too!
I'm hypothyroidism/hashimoto's patient and my doctor didn't mention or even pay any attention for it. In this country they only stare at tsh.
I dont understand when he says he wants to hear comments on almost every video...he gets comments and questions but I never see any anwers to commenter back. Why? I have never asked him anything but wouldnt seeing he does not answer others. He does have interesting content.
Doctors will never answer questions on TH-cam. You are not his patient and he can't give you individualised advice - legal liability. From people's comments and questions he can see if there are overlapping questions and he could then choose to make another video addressing it if many people have the same question.
Hi doctor I just took my iodine therapy, I had a hyper thyroid but now I’m hypo thyroid, what vitamins do you think I should take? I just did my treatment in December. Please answer.
Selenium and zinc will only help if you have a deficiency. Correct?
Really enjoyed this video. I wonder if there are specific bacterial strands that could be used to promote T4 to T3 or does any probiotic supplements work?
There might be but I would say a general improvement in gut function is ideal for thyroid conversion.
My t3 on the floor the vary low end of what conventional doctors call "Normal" i had thyroidectomy 2006.. whats your thyroid T3 conversion medication? Does it have pig thyroid? which I don't consume for religious reasons
👍👍
hello I hope that I get the answer here. As per lab result my
TSH is 0.22 (range 0.4-5.5 uIU/ml)
ft3 8.0 pmol/l (range is 8.5-22.5 pmol/L)
ft4 4.8 pmol/L (2.8-7.3)
hba1c 5.2% (range 4.0-6.0%)
the endo i had a consult with says that this is a lab error and if in case this is a true result its a very rare condition.
what does my lab test mean and why did he say that?
do I qualify for liothyronin and some meds to help me with insulin resistance
Reverse T3 should be
I was taking Levothyroxine, 75mcg, and it did nothing for me. I got rechecked after 6 months and I had a lot of reverse T3. I found that out when I switched Dr.s My new Dr then put me on NDT, which I love!!! Worth the money, my ins only pays 15 dollars and I pay 75 for a 3 month supply.
Thank you for breaking the conversion down, I didn't know how that worked. I have Hashi's so I'm thinking my conversion was stuck with the Levo. I also take LDN, it was explained that it will help me heal and help me sleep which are one in the same I think. It seems to be doing its job. How long do people stay on it for ?
I was on LDN for one month 1 mcg compound and it made every muscle in my body hurt and made me feel spaced out and insomnia. I spoke with the pharmacist and he said 1 mcg might be too much for me. I told my doctor it still may be on the table depending on how my body works with this dose. I know NDTs are expensive but for your health it truly is worth it! Happy Holidays everyone! Blessings to you Doctor Child’s
LDN did nothing for my hashimotos or anything.
@@Milagroscrs that's too bad LDN didn't work for you. And yes, I love the NDT, its made such a huge difference! Have you ever heard of the book, " The Root Cause' by Isabella Wentz?? Its a fantastic book, she is a pharmacist who has/had Hashi's and used herself as an experiment to overcome her struggle with hashi's! Im going to read it again because its a lot to digest, lol, but she starts at the top of the pyramid for healing. Its very good!!! I prayed a lot too. I talked about it with people I would come in contact with and actually got some excellent recommendations for naturopathic Dr.s and that led me to NDT AND LDN. Keep searching and experimenting. I also enjoy Dr. CHILDS!! Im so grateful for his information and work on Hashi's! Merry Christmas, happy new year!
@@juliefisher1986Have you heard or read the book "The Root Cause" by Isabella wentz? I wrote about it up above if you want to see. I wonder what Dr Childs thinks of the book??
@@msmarooshka i have the book. She has good advice along with Dr. Childs
Hi Doctor, thank you so much for this video! I had my thyroid removed because of thyroid cancer and have had issues ever since trying to get my T4 to covert to T3. I have never really understood the process your body goes through to make this happen until I watched your video and now I understand so a big THANK YOU to you 😊 My doctor just prescribed me Cytomel but I’m so nervous to take it because the side effects are exactly what I’m trying to get rid of. 😮 Is Cytomel a pill you can just stop taking after you feel better to avoid the side effects? Like around 6-8 weeks?
Did you take it? How do you feel?
Would love an update on how that medicine worked for you. Please🙏🏼🙏🏼 hope you’re doing well
What about phenobarbital? I've been on it since the 80's. I was ablated about 7 years ago. I can't lose weight. So being a lab tech and watching g you my free t3 is low. I am waiting for reverse t3 res u lts
Why is it that these doctors ALWAYS mention Hashimoto's as the autoimmune disease BUT RARELY mention the other autoimmune disease for thyroid, Grave's Disease ? There is a large percentage with it that cannot convert T-4 to T-3 and end up fatter even with higher metabolism but shaking, mental symptoms of anxiety and anger, racing heart and losing muscle mass! Then after they kill your thyroid, most doctors will only give T-4 so we end up fat and very sluggish, tired, losing hair, depressed with large amounts of T-4 that is NOT DOING ANYTHING and RT-3 blocking the small amount of working T-3 we may get. I went to one endocrinologist who refused anything but T-4 and would not look at clinical symptoms AT ALL only T-4 and TSH lab results. Also with Graves, your TSH will soon ONLY show very vey low amounts like .03. The medical field is mostly stupid, no better than when they used to bleed people for humours.
I don't mention Graves' that often because Graves' will always turn into hypothyroidism once you are post thyroidectomy/RAI. Therefore, all (or most) of the information I have regarding low thyroid also applies to those with Graves'.
Can’t read the writing, is the supplement Gunggul?
I am currently taking estriol/estradiol, testosterone in troche form, as well as progesterone in the evening for menopause symptoms. My labs are showing ta I am not converting my T3 to T4. Does this mean have a low thyroid? I am to start taking a T3 in compound form, as we eat Kosher, and there are certain thyroid meds that would not be acceptable. My nurse practitioner explained ths, but I'm still a little fuzzy. Is this something that I. most likely, always have to take from here on out?
I take a compounded T3 T4 medication. Would you recommend not taking this? My T3 was elevated. T4 was normal and TSH was slightly low.
What is the test you couldd do to find out you have trouble converting
Hi! I'm a 59-year-old woman. I work out 6 days a week and eat very healthy. I've been having an issue with low energy for the last year. My Dr didn't do a full thyroid panel so it seemed normal. I tried a different doctor and it turned out that only my t3 is lie but it's on 47. So I'm trying to figure out the best treatment.
I would love to have help
Long story short. I had goiter was suppose to have removed, dr thought I had cancer removed it just in case. I was of course put on synthroid. Looking into things I had my dr switch me to armour. My bloodwork was bad cholesterol, high blood pressure, tired gained 83 pounds in 3.5 months prior to switching to armour.
I still haven’t been able to loose and weight. Dry skin is bad. Tired sometimes at times. When on synthroid I had about every dose, Armour been on 1 prescription.
Any help please
Oh yes indeed they do ignore
Hiya why wouldn’t a doctor just RX T3’s instead of Synthroid ?
Sir my hyperthyroidism disease convert into hypothyroidism but I am facing eye exothelemic goiter disease but it is symptoms of hyperthyroidism why?
I am celiac and post menopausal my hormones are messed up and my T4 levels are on the lower side my weight is up and my doctor won’t test my T3 levels ???
If someone has some hypothyroidism symptoms but has TSH: 1.09mIU/L free T4: 13pmol/L and T3: 4.6pmol/L, what could this mean?
I take LDN (4mg Low Dose Naltrexone) for Hashimotos. Is LDN addictive?
I've been taking that for a year now and its helped me sleep through the night, only getting up maybe once and then falling back to sleep again. I don't find it addicting, the only thing I don't like is that my insurance doesn't cover it! I also take progesterone, it has definitely helped with my mood.
@@msmarooshka Thank you so much for your response. That was very helpful.
No, it's not addicting.
@@drwestinchilds Thank you very much. How kind.
Hello doc,I've been struggling with my thyroid nodule and I think I have hypothyroidism too..my neck is always hurt inside:(
Does any of the conversion take place in the thyroid itself? If so how does this effect patients that have have thier thyroid destroyed by Radiation ablation therapy?
Yes, some conversion occurs in the thyroid gland. If the thyroid is damaged then you must make up for that lack of conversion in the gland elsewhere.
As hashimoto patient is it important to know reverse T3 and why? 🦋💙🙏🏻
Yes, definitely.
Can the MD easily test directly for proper T4- T3 levels and the conversion mechanism working right? And what is the downside of taking synthetic T3 which a non holistic MD would probably prescribe if convinced T3 is low?
Yes, you can test for conversion issues. I think I have a video on it, if not I will make one :)
@@drwestinchilds +1 for making that video. Would love to get your perspective on the multiple deiodinases involved in conversion.
The DIO1 conversion gene can be tested with 23&Me. The DIO2 conversion gene can be tested with Regenerous Labs.
Like me! Levo out for me!
Dr Childs its been many times i tried reaching you but, u never reply back.
So i give up
Best wishes
From India
TH-cam doctors do not answer individual questions - he is not your doctor. He only sees if many people ask the same questions so that he can make a video about them.
My wife has Graves’ disease, to much T3. Do you have any videos on how to get T3 down. Her heart rate is always to high. Sweating, trembling hands, rapid weight lost.
I don't believe so, but I will add it to the list of future videos.
@@drwestinchilds thank you 🙏🏽
is ashwagonda ok for hashimoto
For most people, yes.
Interesting video! My t3 is a bit low (69) free t3 is 2, and reverse t3 13, t4 is 5.4. Both of my functional dr. Say not to worry about it, but I have horrible symptoms and tpo antibioties of 69. Also have past Epstein Barr infection but not current. I've been trying to get help for 3 years and have done everything I can. I would just love to have a dr. that would help me feel better. Thank you for your knowledge. Do you take patients?
I do not.
?? The thyroid does not do the conversion... it provides the T4... the conversion is done in the liver and kidneys... correct?
Correct, thyroid conversion occurs outside of the thyroid gland.
My doctor keeps ordering a t3 uptake test instead of t3 and reverse t3. What is the t3 uptake test supposed to tell you?
Nothing, it's a useless test: www.restartmed.com/t3-uptake/
will this help my conversion i take a compound t4 and t3
Which part are you asking about?
Are you accepting new patients?
Not at this time!
Tu. X