Reverse T3

[salshep]

I've learnt so much from this forum but I'm still not too sure about reverse T3.

How important is it to know reverse T3. In what circumstances would it benefit testing for this.

Sal-shep

[radd]

salshep,

We all need a little RT3 to balance the aggressiveness of T3, that could easily make us feel hyper. Reverse T3 becomes elevated when not enough T4 is converted to T3 and the more RT3 you have, the less T3 you have in your body which can induce hypothyroid symptoms.

These symptoms can overlap with others such as high/low cortisol, low iron, elevated oestrogens & other sex hormones, etc, etc ...... It is therefore better to address these conditions first as high RT3 should then rectify itself and should these root causes not be addressed, the RT3 could just return.

Optimising all nutrients and iron and supplementing antioxidants such as milk thistle will help the liver clear RT3 from your body. Selenium is also thought to help.

Often addressing inflammation, gut problems and nutrient deficiencies (particularly selenium and zinc) helps thyroid hormone replacement work better, as will encourage better conversion from T4- T3.

I do not think it important in the early stages of trying to get well to consider RT3 as there are many other options to work with.

[salshep in reply to radd]

Thanks so much Radd, thats really helpful

[shaws Administrator]

There is a good explanation in the following link if you read the second question/answer.

web.archive.org/web/2010103...