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Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are hormones produced by the thyroid gland that regulate the adrenal system, growth, weight, and mood. Low levels can cause growth retardation, weight gain, and depression. Levothyroxine is used to supplement low levels of T4, but brand name drugs may be more effective. High levels of T4 can cause weight loss, sweating, and heart problems.
Thyroxine (T4) is one of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate the adrenal system and plays a role in energy, normal growth and development, the ability to maintain a healthy weight, and mood stability. The other hormone produced by the thyroid gland is T3 or triiodothyronine. Both of these hormones are produced when the pituitary gland creates thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). One of these hormones can be in excess (hyperthyroidism) or below normal levels (hypothyroidism) and this can have serious effects on the body.
Thyroid hormones are essential. For example, inadequate nutrition in infants and young children can retard growth and cause mental retardation. In many countries, thyroid levels are checked on newborns to make sure they have a functioning thyroid gland. In adults with low amounts, some body systems may not work as they should. The body’s metabolism can be depressed, leading to easy weight gain and even problems such as poor breathing and cardiac output.
The effect of thyroxine on mood and mental illness is beginning to be studied extensively. There is growing evidence that people with conditions such as major depression and bipolar disorder may have low levels of thyroid function. There is also some evidence that current laboratory levels that suggest a normal range may not be accurate when it comes to treating low thyroid hormone levels, and the scale of what is considered normal has been changed several times. Physicians are advised to no longer overlook low normal readings, as they may be medically significant.
When the body fails to produce adequate T4, this can be discovered via blood sampling, as stated. The initial tests may be called TSH tests and evaluate only the level of thyroid stimulating hormone. If your TSH is incorrect, doctors might order T4 and T3 tests to look at specific levels of each hormone. If thyroxine is low, doctors may suggest supplementation with medications called levothyroxine. This is the chemical version of T4, also known by the brand name Synthroid®.
There is a wealth of evidence to suggest that supplementing with levothyroxine may not be as beneficial as supplementing with the brand name drug. Part of this may relate to the instability of drug versions of T4. Different formulations can actually work differently, and a large number of people report problems with generic types, especially when switching from one generic manufacturer to another. There are still many in the medical field who would argue that generic thyroxine is just as good as Synthroid®, but a number of doctors now seem to agree with patients using thyroid supplementation that there is an appreciable difference.
As important as it is to have adequate thyroxine, it is also important not to have too much. High levels can lead to weight loss, sweating, shaking and enlargement of the neck where the thyroid gland is located. Prolonged hyperthyroidism can cause significant hair loss, heart problems, and the development of osteoporosis. When these symptoms are present, the goal is to reduce the amount of T4 and T3. This could be accomplished by removing the thyroid gland and supplementing it with levothyroxine or by administering medications that can suppress the function of the thyroid gland.
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