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  • cathycnm
    Participant
    April 2, 2009 at 11:25 am
    Post count: 284
    #1072322

    Enough – you are correct on the T3 and T4. Thyroid hormone binds to protein in our blood and is "bound". The thyroid hormone that is not bound to protein is "free" and is the most active in our systems. The answer to your question on why your doc measures T4 may rest with your lab. Some labs report a total T4 (free and bound). T4 is used sometimes to monitor replacement.

    I just posted this on another thread – I just found out my TSH is normal but I feel hyperthyroid. My PCP checked a T4 and it is elevated. TSH, however, it the usual way to monitor replacement (not T 4) because TSH is more sensitive.

    enough3
    Participant
    April 2, 2009 at 2:04 pm
    Post count: 144
    #1019541

    Ok…if T4 is on the lower end..that means you could be going hypo. And if the T4 is on the higher end…you could be going hyper. Is that right?

    What is the difference between Free T4 and T4? Which one is more accurate? I have heard that Free T4 is…but why do Endo’s never order that..just T4?

    Thanks for any info.

    enough3
    Participant
    April 3, 2009 at 8:29 am
    Post count: 144
    #1072323

    Thank you for explaining this to me:)

    cathycnm
    Participant
    April 3, 2009 at 11:11 am
    Post count: 284
    #1072324

    You are most welcome. I wish you well on your healing journey!

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