RT3 inhibits T4-T3 conversion. How worried should we be?

[Post updated May 2, 2021] Many thyroid patients have acquired concerns about Reverse T3 (RT3) by reading Kent Holtorf's web pages. Likely even more have learned by reading Reverse T3 information on the Stop the Thyroid Madness (STTM) thyroid patients' website, which has been influenced by Holtorf, whom they cite. On the positive side, both … Continue reading RT3 inhibits T4-T3 conversion. How worried should we be?

Visualizing thyroid hormone activity in cells: T3 and RT3 in context

I've recently been inspired by an visual of thyroid hormone cellular action published by Bianco and colleagues in September, 2019. This visual has taught me a new way of seeing these hormones' pathways of movement and activity in our bodies. I've read Bianco's article quite thoroughly in light of the image, and as a result … Continue reading Visualizing thyroid hormone activity in cells: T3 and RT3 in context

The basics of thyroid hormone action, transport and conversion

This comprehensive educational post collects the basics of thyroid hormone, transport and conversion. T3 action on nuclear receptors Every organ and tissue in your body must maintain a healthy level of T3 hormone activity to function properly. Bloodstream T3 supply and local T3 action powerfully influences how every organ operates, from our liver to our … Continue reading The basics of thyroid hormone action, transport and conversion

Ubiquitination: The glass ceiling of T4 monotherapy

UBIQUITINATION: This is the "Glass ceiling" of T4 monotherapy -- in some patients, there is a biological limit on how much T3 they can get out of treatment with T4 thyroid hormone alone (Synthroid, levothyroxine). Scientists recently explained how D2's gene (DIO3) is inactivated by rising levels of T4: "Although DIO2 expression is only weakly … Continue reading Ubiquitination: The glass ceiling of T4 monotherapy

How the three deiodinases regulate T3

Dear thyroid patients: If you've never heard about the deiodinases, your life and future health may depend on you learning about them. The deiodinases can either work with your thyroid meds or against them. It's a lifelong condition, being on thyroid therapy, so there's time for thyroid knowledge to sink in. I don't have a bioscience … Continue reading How the three deiodinases regulate T3