All You Need To Know About Free Thyroxine Hormone

Butterfly shaped, thyroid is a small gland located at the base of your neck that looks after the production and secretion of thyroid hormones i.e. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). These hormones play a significant role in the growth and development of your body, while regulating many body functions. ¹ 

Thyroid hormones act on almost all cells of the body. They can affect your weight, heart rate, body temperature, muscle strength, and even your mood.^{1 2} While regulating the BMR- Basal Metabolic Rate (number of calories required to maintain body functioning), these thyroid hormones help in the functioning of most of the tissues and organs of the body. Few of those body functions are listed below: ³

• Regulating carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism
• Maintaining electrolyte balance
• Calcium and phosphate deposition in bone & make them strong
• Supporting the process of RBC (Red Blood Cell) formation 
• Influence the mood and behavior of a person
• Helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Helps decrease calcium levels in the blood

What Are Thyroid Hormones?

The main hormones produced by the thyroid gland are:

1. Thyroxine (T4) 
2. Triiodothyronine (T3)

1. Triiodothyronine

Triiodothyronine or T3 is one of the two hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Since it’s in the active form, T3 impacts cells in your body. Important fact to note here is that both T3 and T4 work together to coordinate different functions in your body. ⁴

2. Thyroxine

Thyroxine or tetraiodothyronine is an inactive thyroid hormone which is produced by the thyroid gland and is secreted into the bloodstream. While entering the bloodstream, it then travels to the body organs like kidneys and the liver where it gets converted to its active form of triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroxine plays a significant role in maintaining all the body systems. It takes care of the heart and digestive function, metabolism, brain development, bone health, and muscle control. Therefore, it’s important to keep a check of thyroxine levels in your body. ⁵ 

Overview Of Thyroxine Hormone

Abnormal levels of T4 in the blood can be measured with a T4 test determining the sign of any thyroid disease.⁵ With the help of LifeCell’s Perimenopause test kit, you can keep track of your 3 hormone levels (AMH, TSH and T4). This is a self-collection test kit which helps you to understand the causes of your symptoms. Healthcare practitioners measure T4 levels using blood tests. There are two forms of T4 found in the blood. Let’s discuss them in detail:

Free T4: 

They are the active form of thyroxine hormone. They are called free because they are free to move and enter the tissues where they are needed. A free T4 test measures the amount of free T4 in your blood. Medical experts believe that this test gives more specific information than a total T4 test, therefore it's used more often. ^{1 5}

Bound T4: 

This thyroxine is known as bound T4 as they are bound to certain proteins which prevents them from entering the tissues. A total T4 test measures both bound and free T4. Although, this is a less accurate way to check the proper functioning of thyroid. ^{1 5}

Different Levels Of fT4

Abnormal levels of thyroid hormone may disturb the overall functioning of the thyroid gland. An increase or decrease in their levels give rise to the following two conditions:  

Hypothyroidism (Low Levels of fT4)

Also known as thyroid underactivity, hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland secretes too little thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. Under this condition, TSH levels usually become higher than normal, indicating poor thyroid function. Underactive thyroid can make you feel fatigued, lethargic or gain weight. Other symptoms like dryness in skin and hair, impaired concentration, memory and constipation may also appear.^{6 7}

Hyperthyroidism (High Levels of fT4)

Thyroid overactivity or Hyperthyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland secretes high levels of thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. TSH levels are lower than normal indicating the overproduction of the thyroid hormones. When the body produces too much thyroid hormone, it speeds up the body metabolism. Sweating, heat intolerance, weight loss despite increase in appetite, insomnia, anxiety and irregular heartbeat are few signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. ^{6 8 9}

Why Do You Need A Thyroxine Test?

A thyroxine test helps diagnose thyroid related disorders only. If you are confused if the symptoms you’re experiencing are that of thyroid or perimenopause, then LifeCell’s Perimenopause test helps give you a clear picture. Important fact to note here is that the symptoms of thyroid overlaps the perimenopause symptoms. Since they’re almost identical, sometimes women tend to confuse them for each other. Here, LifeCell’s Perimenopause test comes to your rescue which helps you screen three important hormones (AMH, TSH and fT4), giving you clear insights of your thyroid and reproductive health. 

When Can It Be Done?

Your fT4 test can be done anytime of the day as it doesn’t require any special preparation. 

How Can You Get Your fT4 Levels Tested?

Confused if the symptoms you are experiencing are related to your thyroid disorder or perimenopause? Generally, women in their early 40s or 50s feel confused about the symptoms they’re experiencing. Symptoms of thyroid are so similar that they overlap with the symptoms you feel during perimenopause (transition phase to menopause when your menstrual cycle is coming to end). 

If you are curious to know more about your thyroid levels and perimenopause symptoms, then it’s time for you to order a Perimenopause Kit by LifeCell. This self-collection test kit gives you clear insights into your thyroid health as well as FMP (Final Menstrual Period). So, without further ado, order your kit today and take charge of your health!