Thyroxine TT4

Tyroxine T4 is one of the major hormones produced by the thyroid gland, a small endocrine system gland located at the front of the neck.

Tyroxine T4 is the precursor to the formation of the much more biologically active hormone, T3, although both have very similar effects on the body-just in varying degrees of severity. These hormones are responsible for regulating the rate and intensity of metabolic processes throughout the body, and thus affect such transformations as:

• decomposition and burning of fatw
• regulation of heart rate and blood pressure
• control of basal metabolism, or how much energy is used by the body at rest
• influence on the occurrence of the menstrual cycle in women
• influence on the turnover of consumed proteins and sugars (carbohydrates)
• influence on the functioning of the sex glandss
• impact on the physical and mental developmentb of younger people

Tyroxine, along with triodothyronine (T3), indirectly influences virtually every aspect of the human body's functioning, and thus disorders in its levels can cause a wide range of ry symptoms.

Tyroxine T4 – when to perform?

Thyroid hormones are secreted by a series of mutually controlling processessubstances. The hormone TRH secreted by the hypothalamus affects the pituitary gland, which by producing TSH stimulates the production of T3 and T4, which respectively high concentrations in the bloodstream inhibit the hypothalamus and pituitary. T4 and T3 in very small amounts are present in free form – they usually move between different organs in the form bound to transport proteins (mainly TBG). Disruption of anyelement of this chain can cause numerous diseases associated with lack of proper regulation by thyroid hormones. The most commonly discussed in this context are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, whichmean too much or too little hormoneproduction by this organ.

Tyroxine T4 – who should take the test?

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can have different causes and mechanisms. The disorder does not have to be localized in the thyroid gland itself-it can also involve the pituitary gland, the hypothalamusrz, deficienciesof specific proteins and hormonesregulating the functions of these organsw and many other factorsw. Usually, in brief, the effect can be described in the same wayb – too much or too little stimulation of tissues by thyroid hormones.

T4 testing (usually performed in combination with T3, TSH and TBG) is the primary test to diagnose thyroid dysfunction. Symptoms of these disorders may vary from patient to patient and may not be completely specific, but it is possible to pick out a few signals indicating problems with this organ.

Basic symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• general weakness, easier fatigue
• general deterioration of mood and mental state
• feeling of cold, combined with lower temperature of the extremities
• weakened memory and concentration
• broken hair and nails, hair lossw
• fluffiness
• weight gain, difficulty losing weight
• dry, rough skinra
• constipation
• and other symptoms resulting from too slow metabolism occurring in the body

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:

• loss of weight along with increased appetite
• diarrhea
• increased nervousness, feeling more easily upset, feeling „too much energy”
• tachycardia, heart palpitations
• weakening of muscle strength
• muscle tremors
• hot flashes
• frequent urination
• increased sweating
• problems with memory and concentration
• clouding of the eyeballs