Low FT3

[Glen12959]

What are the functions of FT3 in our body and what are the effects of low ft3?

[goolarra]

I'd just like to add that FT4 is the "storage" form of the thyroid hormones.  It's like the gas in your gas tank.  FT3 is the "active" form.  It's the only form your cells can use.  It's like the gas in your fuel injectors (carbeurator if you're old as me!).

If your FT3 is low, your cells can't get enough T3 for proper cell metabolism.  So, even if your other thyroid labs are good, you can be hypo at the cellular level (with all the attendant symptoms) if FT3 isn't adequate.  

As FTB4 said, if you have recent labs, please post them with reference ranges from your own lab report.  It's sometimes easier to explain with concrete numbers to talk about.  Are you on thyroid meds?  If so, which and at what dose?

[FTB4]

Your thyroid produces the hormone T4 which is converted mostly by the liver, although on its way it comes into contact with protein, some is carried away by this protein, what gets converted is Free T4, after conversion, the contact with protein occurs again, some T3 is carried away, once it contacts protein, it is not usable by the bodies cells, so what is left is Free T3, the active hormone your body functiosn by, when ths hormone is low, your body slows down (Decreased Metabolism) The Pituitary Gland located in the brain, senses when Free T3 is low, it send its own hormone TSH   (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) to bump or stimulate the thyroid into producing and secreting more T4, So when the TSH is Higher the Free T3 is lower, and the opposite, when the TSH is low or supressed, the Free T3 is high. So the effects of Low Free T3 would be the symptoms of Underactive or Hypoactive Thyroid, just to mention a few, there are many that you can google, are Fatigue, Weight Gain (Due to slowing metabolism) Depression, Anxiety, Muscle and joint Pain, Mental Confusion (What we call Brain Fog) and Temporary Memory Loss, Sensitivity to cold and cold hands and feet. It can also cause High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure. If you have test results that you would like explained to you, post them with the reference ranges provided with each result. Members would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Best Wishes FTB4