In thyroid disease and therapy, even when TSH is normalized, we can still be genuinely hypothyroid if we do not have enough T3 getting into our thyroid hormone receptors in cells throughout the body. Most people know there's two ways we get T3 into our cells' nuclei: From circulating Free T3, andFrom circulating Free T4 … Continue reading How do we get enough T3 into thyroid hormone receptors?
Lack of knowledge about Free T3 peaks and valleys contributes to failure and frustration in T3-based therapies, including desiccated thyroid and T3-T4 combination therapy. On patient support groups, I often see conversations that go like this: "My FT3 result was over reference range, FT4 low in range, and my TSH was low, so my doctor … Continue reading Free T3 peaks and valleys in T3 and NDT therapy
We all know a "thyroidectomy" is the surgical removal of a thyroid gland. Nobody removes a vital gland without a patient's informed consent. If your medical system and doctor are ethical, you as a patient have the opportunity to weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure and give signed consent. We need to consider … Continue reading Caution: Doctors perform T3-ectomies without our consent
A lot of internet myths and misinformation surrounds Reverse T3 (RT3). Well-meaning people have attributed to the hormone a “T3-blocking” function. However, the enzyme deiodinase type 3 (D3) (NOT Vitamin D3, which is very different) is the main blocker of T3 hormone. Deiodinase type 3 (D3), regulated by the DIO3 gene, is the enzyme that … Continue reading Deiodinase Type 3, not RT3, plays the T3-blocking role
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
