Thyroid Hormones
Triiodothyronine is T3 while T4 is thyroxine. T3 and T4 regulate the metabolic rate of the body. Metabolism slows down if your hormone levels are inadequate while it speeds up when there is an excess. Digestion, heart rate, heat production, and cognitive function are regulated by the body’s metabolic rate. In principle, T3 and T4 are responsible for the energy expenditure of the body.
T3 and T4 are not equivalent in potency. T3 is the more active hormone between two. While T3 is stronger, taking synthetic T4 hormone is considered the standard treatment for hypothyroidism. The reason for this is because most of the T3 in our bodies actually used to be T4. When T4 hormones come into contact with other cells in the bloodstream, they give up an iodine atom to interact with those cells. When T4 loses an iodine atom, it becomes T3.
When T4 is converted T3, it conveys the metabolic signal to the other cells throughout the body. The benefit of taking only T4 therapy is the similarity of the normal body process of converting T4 and changing it into T3. The half-life of T4 is about 6 days longer compared to that of T3. It is implied that it will stay for a longer time in your body after ingestion.
Application of Replacement Therapy
The objective is to cover for the inadequacy of hormones secreted by your thyroid gland if you are prescribed a form of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. A daily dose of T4 in a pill taken orally will be commonly prescribed to you by your healthcare professional.
It should be noted that every patient's therapy can be unique or similar to other. There is no definite dosage or treatment plan when it comes to thyroid hormone replacement therapy. There is great variability in how the body absorbs the hormones, along with the amount of hormones it needs. Your treatment plan will be distinctive to you only. The dosage that will work for you will be a trial-and-error in order to properly determine the amount of drug your body needs for a regulated thyroid function.
Though synthetic T4 supplements are the most recommended form of thyroid hormone replacement therapy, there is a range of forms, including animal thyroid supplements. Synthetic T3 is also irregularly given as part of treatment in certain circumstances, most often after thyroid surgery, when waiting for the radioiodine ablation in case of cancer. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is a personalized treatment process, and it is highly effective when prescribed properly. The objective of thyroid hormone replacement therapy, in most cases, is to regulate your thyroid stimulating hormone levels.
Discuss with your healthcare professional about what treatment option will best alleviate your hypothyroid symptoms, allowing you to live a healthy, normal life.
