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Reverse T3 is a type of thyroid hormone that acts like a brake on your body's metabolism. While the active hormone T3 revs up your body's engine, reverse T3 slows it down. Your body makes reverse T3 from T4, another thyroid hormone, especially during times of stress or illness. It's like your body's way of conserving energy when it's under pressure. By measuring reverse T3 levels, we can see if your body is effectively using thyroid hormones or if it's producing more of this "slowing down" hormone. High levels might explain why you feel tired or sluggish even if other thyroid tests are normal.
Testing reverse T3 gives a fuller picture of your thyroid health. If you're feeling symptoms of low thyroid function—like tiredness or weight gain—but standard tests are normal, measuring reverse T3 can reveal if your body isn't using thyroid hormones properly. It helps identify issues that might be missed otherwise, guiding better treatment choices.
Several factors can influence reverse T3 levels. Stress—whether physical like illness or injury, or emotional stress—can cause levels to rise. A poor diet, especially very low-calorie diets, can increase reverse T3 as your body tries to conserve energy. Certain medications and chronic health conditions, such as liver or kidney problems, can also affect how your body processes thyroid hormones, impacting reverse T3 levels.
If your reverse T3 levels are high or nearing high, reducing stress is crucial. This might include lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, practising relaxation techniques, and eating a balanced diet. Addressing any underlying health issues and reviewing medications with your doctor can also help lower reverse T3 levels. If levels are low or close to low, usually no action is needed unless you have symptoms of an overactive thyroid; in that case, you should consult your healthcare provider.
If your reverse T3 levels are high or nearing high, reducing stress is crucial. This might include lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, practising relaxation techniques, and eating a balanced diet. Addressing any underlying health issues and reviewing medications with your doctor can also help lower reverse T3 levels. If levels are low or close to low, usually no action is needed unless you have symptoms of an overactive thyroid; in that case, you should consult your healthcare provider.
