Insufficient levels (low levels) of circulating thyroid hormones is the biochemical hallmark of an under-active thyroid, a condition referred to as hypothyroidism.
hypothyrodism
Free T4 is free (unbound) thyroxine.
If my thyroid T4 free blood results are dropping what does this mean?
origin of word wilco
Nothing. Thyroid levels are reported in terms of TSH, free T4 and total T4 level values.
A doctor orders a free T4 blood test (or FT4) to see if your thyroid gland is working properly. The "free" part refers to released thyroxine in your system. The free T4 part actually means it is only measuring the unbound T4 (which is usable) the free T4 blood test is better than just the T4, you need to know how much free T4 (unbound and usable) hormone there is in your body to help determine whether you are suffering from thyroid disease.
The old Total T4 test (TT4) is no longer considered the best way to test for T4 levels. T4 and T3 can both be bound by other proteins and hormones in the body. When this happens, the T4 or T3 is not usable by the body. The body can only use T4 and T3 that is not bound, or free. For this reason, Free T4, which only tests the free levels of the hormone, is now preferred over Total T4 testing as more accurate.
No.
T4 is the main thyroid hormone. If your levels are dropping, then your thyroid gland is not producing enough hormone or something is interfering with the hormone's action somehow. In either case, your doctor will need to determine if you need to supplement your T4 with oral medication.
Thyroid function - Hypothyroidism. A low level of thyroxine and high level of TSH indicate an underactive thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism would be a condition in which T3 and T4 are at increased levels.
Thyroxine free index. "elevated TsH and low fT4 or fTi indicates primary hypothyroidism due to disease in the thyroid gland. a low TsH and low fT4 or fTi indicates hypothyroidism due to a problem involving the pituitary gland. a low TsH with anelevated fT4 or fTi is found in individuals who have hyperthyroidism."
Your doctor will determine if you need to be on Armour Thyroid which is used to raise the level of T4 hormone. Speak to your physician.