What is free Tyroxin?
free thyroxine or free t 4 refers to the type of thyroid hormone in the body that is not connected or tied to certain proteins. Many people are also familiar with this term from laboratory testing for thyroid hormones. The test for measuring untied levels of thyroxine is usually called free tyroxine or free T 4 sub> test. In most cases, the measurement of this unrestrained hormone plus analysis of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) can help to accurately diagnose hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
t 4 present in the body is from two specific types. Part of the thyroxine produced is strapped to proteins and no longer performs its necessary functions. Only t 4 , which is free and unrestrained, can do the job for which it has been designed. This work includes metabolizing fat, proteins and carbohydrates and regulation of the metabolic speed of the body. Free Tyroxine also helps the central nervous system to influence the production of certain neurcuothrotransmitters, and tO in turn affects other body systems. Almost all t 4 sub> are bound. Free Tyroxine represents a small amount of total t 4 sub>. However, the analysis of this fractional ratio is usually the best measure of thyroid function.
Free Tyroxin's free test is a simple blood test for measuring unrestrained t 4 , usually along with TSH measurement to help confirm any diagnosis. This blood test takes a minute or less for most people and usually does not require fasting or other restrictions. Laboratory results are analyzed and returned to doctors per week or two.
patients can also record their free results of thyroxine. It is generally said whether the results of TSH and T 4 were high, low or normal and will be comic book about how the test should interpret. There may also be categories for borderline high or low values that could indicate problemswith a thyroid gland.
In general, high levels of TSH combined with low t 4 sub> corresponds to hypothyroidism. Alternatively, high free t 4 sub> and low TSH can indicate hyperthyroidism or too much thyroid hormone. Border low and high results may or may not indicate a condition that requires treatment. If the patient appears to be symptomatic, some form of intervention may be indicated. Individuals who had borderline results in the past and developed symptoms should also ask your doctor for another free test of thyroxine.
How and when to treat at least high or low levels of thyroid dysfunction is a question that is not currently resolved. For example, people with bipolar disorders often have lower thyroxine levels and some say that it should always be treated, even if it is borderline. Because the untied t 4 has a regulatory effect on neurotransmitters, there is some logic of this line of reasoning. The medical community is currently not unitedThe price on how to interpret thyroid border testing and there is a strong disagreement about whether and when such results should indicate medical treatment.