Triiodothyronine (T3): Function, Importance, and Testing
Triiodothyronine (T3) is one of the two primary thyroid hormones, along with thyroxine (T4), that regulate metabolism, energy production, and various physiological functions in the body. It exists in two forms: bound T3, which is attached to proteins in the blood, and free T3 (FT3), which is the active form available for use by the body’s cells.
T3 is primarily produced by the thyroid gland and also converted from T4 in the liver and other tissues. It plays a crucial role in regulating heart rate, digestion, muscle function, brain development, and body temperature. An imbalance in T3 levels can lead to thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (excess T3) or hypothyroidism (low T3), affecting overall health and metabolism.
Triiodothyronine
