Normal tests for thyroid hormones T4, T3 and TSH. Bone mineral density (BMD): an important indicator of healthy joints T4 normal T3 increased

IN endocrine system human body thyroid gland(ShchZ) occupies the most important place. It produces hormones and sends them directly into the blood. Thanks to their action, the thyroid gland, together with the nervous and immune systems coordinates and adjusts the functioning internal organs.

If we combine all the signals, nerve impulses and biological substances of the body into a single whole and designate them as an “orchestra”, then the thyroid hormones play the role of the “main violin” in it. By faking or forgetting their “part,” they will disrupt the functioning of the entire organism.

The thyroid gland produces two important hormones:

  • Triiodothyronine (T3).
  • Thyroxine, or tetraiodothyronine (T4).

Mainly biologically active hormone, which has a direct effect on metabolism is triiodothyronine.

The role and significance of the hormone T3

In the tissue and cellular space, the T4 hormone gradually loses the iodine atom and is converted into T3. Such chemical reaction contributes to the fact that triiodothyronine molecules are significantly revitalized. The activity of the T3 hormone is ten times higher than T4. This helps triiodothyronine fulfill its main purpose: to manage the energy metabolic processes occurring in the human body.

The hormone influences and controls the breakdown of energy and directs it to the part of the body that needs it. In an adult, T3 enhances nervous activity. Having entered the child’s brain cells along with the blood, the hormone helps them develop successfully and in a timely manner. The efficiency of the nervous system increases under the influence of this biologically active substance.

The T3 hormone is indispensable for ensuring normal heart function. It helps it beat rhythmically and calmly.

Triiodothyronine promotes activation metabolic processes V bone tissue and ensures a dynamic balance between the formation of a new one by osteoblasts and the destruction of the old one by large multinucleated cells by osteoclasts.

In addition, T3:

  • helps the body tissues to be enriched required quantity oxygen, accelerates their growth;
  • reduces the amount of unhealthy cholesterol;
  • promotes the production of vitamin A.

Norm of T3 hormone

Based on the role of T3 hormones in human body, it becomes clear that their normal content has a significant impact on a person’s well-being and ability to work.

After triiodothyronine is synthesized and enters the bloodstream, it is immediately picked up by specific proteins that act as carriers. Through blood vessels they deliver T3 to any corners human body, to the fabrics that need it.

A small part of triiodothyronine remains in a form not bound by proteins. These hormones are called free. They provide the main biological results of the action of triiodothyronine.

The laboratory parameters of the blood test recorded indicate the amount of both total and free hormone T3.

Its units of measurement are:

  • total – nanomoles per liter (nmol/l);
  • free - picomoles per liter (pmol/l).

The amount of the hormone fluctuates depending on the time of year. Its maximum level is observed from autumn to the end of winter. IN summer period the hormone concentration is minimal.

This level of triiodothyronine is considered optimal in healthy women and men:

  • general – 1.20–3.10 nmol/l;
  • free – 3.10–6.80 pmol/l.

In the fair sex, the concentration of free hormone is 5–10% lower than in men. And the expectant mother’s T3 level may decrease already in the first trimester. After a week after birth, its content returns to normal and stabilizes.

IN mature age, namely after 65, the free hormone T3 in plasma and serum decreases to 2.8–6.00 pmol/l.

Normal hormone levels in children

IN childhood There are still differences between the hormone levels for boys and girls.

Closer to adolescence, the amount of free T3 hormone stabilizes at adult levels.

Signs of deviation of the T3 hormone from normal

When the T3 hormone is normal, it has a positive effect on the central nervous system. Therefore, its deviation from the optimal level is primarily reflected in it.

Insufficient production of triiodothyronine or its excess inevitably worsens health. Nervous system comes into a state of either excessive excitability or increasing depression. At the same time, a person feels constant fatigue, which does not allow him to live and work fully.

Hormonal imbalance disrupts the functioning of the heart muscle, the intensity of its contractions increases. The tissues do not have time to receive a sufficient amount of oxygen and very soon begin to “suffocate”. The feeling of fatigue is complemented by muscle pain and further deterioration of well-being.

The following signs can be identified that indicate insufficient production of the T3 hormone:

  • Tendency to frequent illnesses.
  • The inability of the body to quickly recover in the presence of damage and injury.
  • Low level protective functions when the illness begins. As a result, a person has a hard time even with a common cold.

In general, these signs indicate a decrease in immunity.

Decrease in triiodothyronine free can cause muscle weakness and a drop in overall tone. Nausea and cramps are often observed, and the limbs and face swell. In men, potency is impaired and even completely lost.

Besides:

  • the skin turns pale;
  • body temperature and blood pressure decrease;
  • perception and memory are impaired;
  • frequent constipation bothers you;
  • food is poorly digested.

An increase in the normal level of the T3 hormone is accompanied by symptoms:

  • constant headaches;
  • body temperature periodically rises and pressure rises;
  • involuntary trembling of fingers;
  • indigestion and constant irritation;
  • sudden weight loss or, conversely, weight gain;
  • sleep disorders, which are manifested by the inability to fall asleep until three or four o'clock in the morning. At the same time, when you get up, you feel a great desire to take a nap;
  • emotional state is unstable;
  • frequent urge to urinate;
  • menstrual irregularities;
  • In representatives of the stronger sex, the mammary glands may become enlarged.

Deviation from the norm: T3 hormone is increased

Free T3 hormone can increase compared to the norm if the following ailments develop:

  • toxic goiter;
  • syndrome of resistance (resistance) to thyroid hormones;
  • thyrotropinoma is a rare pituitary adenoma;
  • choriocarcinoma;
  • myeloma;
  • isolated T3 toxicosis;
  • chronic liver diseases;
  • peripheral vascular resistance;
  • a drop in the level of thyroxine-binding globulin.

When the level of total hormone T3 increases, the patient may be suspected of:

  • isolated triiodothyronine-induced thyrotoxicosis;
  • Graves' disease;
  • dysfunction of the thyroid gland that arose in a woman in labor;
  • nephrotic syndrome;
  • thyroiditis;
  • Pendred syndrome (congenital bilateral sensorineural hearing loss).

Decrease in T3 hormone

Free triiodothyronine decreases in the case of a general disturbance in the production of thyroid hormones. The reasons for this condition are as follows:

  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis. During the immune process, a significant number of thyroid cells are destroyed, and they can permanently stop producing hormones.
  • Application in medicinal purposes thyreostatics (thiamazole, mercazolil, propylthiouracil, propicyl). Due to an overabundance of medications, hypothyroidism may develop.
  • Removal of the thyroid gland or part of it.
  • Consequences of toxic treatment diffuse goiter(radioactive iodine was used).
  • Familial disalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia (FDH). In this case, along with a decrease in free T3, an increase in free T4 is observed.
  • The presence of uncompensated primary adrenal insufficiency.

Prolonged fasting can also cause a decrease in free T3 hormone.

The general hormone decreases in the case of:

  • acute and subacute thyroiditis;
  • anorexia nervosa;
  • reduced level thyroxine-binding globulin;
  • severe liver pathologies;
  • iodine deficiency (severe);
  • preeclampsia and eclampsia;
  • thyroidectomy ( complete removal thyroid);
  • treatment with isotopes of radioactive iodine.

Undoubtedly specific reason painful condition, which is accompanied by deviations of the T3 hormone from the norm, can only be determined by a doctor. Therefore, you should not delay your visit to the endocrinologist. Timely therapy will return a person to their usual way of life without reducing its quality.

The thyroid gland performs one of the main functions in the body; it produces hormones that are extremely important for normal human functioning. One of these hormones is free T3 (triiodothyronine). The number three in the abbreviation indicates the number of iodine atoms contained in its molecule. Formed follicular cells as a result of the elimination of one iodine atom from thyroxine (T4).

The main role of free T3 is to stimulate tissues to absorb oxygen and activate metabolic function. In total, the associated hormone T3 forms the total T3 index. However, free T3 hormone is considered a more reliable indicator, with the exception of intensive care patients. In this case, reliability will be obtained by performing blood tests for total T3 content.

Free T3 is the active link of total T3. Its increased concentration in blood atoms does not affect the decrease in the amount of protein, because it is freely moving and does not interact with the carrier protein.

Produced by follicular cells and released into the bloodstream. When it enters the bloodstream, it begins to interact with protein molecules that facilitate its movement to sites where oxygen is absorbed.

You can find out what the hormone is responsible for from the list of its functions below:

  • accelerates the absorption of oxygen by tissues, except for the cellular tissues of the brain and glands of the genital organs;
  • increases heat generation in the human body;
  • promotes intensive protein metabolism in blood cells;
  • increases the accumulation of glucose in the blood;
  • lowers the concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides;
  • stimulates the production of vitamin A in the liver;
  • stimulates the removal of calcium from the blood
  • stimulates contractions of the heart muscles;
  • forms alveoli in infants;
  • enhances the wave-like contraction of the intestinal walls, promoting normal excretion of contents;
  • increases the formation of red blood cells;
  • controls metabolism in bone tissue;
  • enhances the function of removal from the blood harmful substances And medicines.

Referrals for tests are usually given to identify the level of free T3 concentration, since it is its normal concentration in the blood that is of particular importance for the functioning of the whole organism. The indicator determines the pathology of the thyroid gland.

Hormone analysis

First of all, the endocrinologist gives the patient a direction to test for hormones T3, T4, TSH. These are the main studies in determining disorders in the thyroid gland. Often, in order to save one’s own budget, a blood test for free T3 content is not carried out; however, this is the wrong decision, which leads to an error in the diagnosis.

Note that in case of nodular toxic goiter, the thyroid nodes working together produce precisely free triiodothyronine. The disease passes with clearly identified signs and is very slowly eliminated with drug therapy. Also increased level hormone content indicates diseases such as Graves' disease or diffuse toxic goiter. If the T3 hormone is St. significantly exceeded the limit, doctors diagnose T3 toxicosis.

The level of hormone concentration is determined by blood from a vein. The exact value can be obtained if you follow important rules:

  • the patient must donate blood on an empty stomach, otherwise the indicator will not be reliable;
  • one month before the procedure, all medications containing hormones are canceled thyroid gland;
  • five days before the study, the patient must exclude all physical activity;
  • The last time you are allowed to eat is 8 hours before the test.

In general, the interpretation of the analyzes is quite complex process, since the result depends on the equipment on which the analysis is carried out. The norm is determined according to the data indicated on the laboratory form, which is printed from computer program. If the hormone indicators are written by hand, it is considered that the analysis was carried out incorrectly, without the appropriate reagents or equipment.

For the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases, our readers recommend Monastic Tea. It consists of 16 most useful medicinal herbs, which have extremely high efficiency in the prevention and treatment of the thyroid gland, as well as in cleansing the body as a whole. The effectiveness and safety of Monastic tea has been repeatedly proven clinical studies and many years of therapeutic experience. Doctors' opinion..."

As the form data shows, normal level hormone must fall within certain threshold values, this is from 2.6 to 5.7 pmol/l.

The normal concentration of the hormone in a child has a number of differences from that of an adult. For example, before adolescence indicators are distributed separately for boys and separately for girls. In the table below you can see the limits of values ​​​​by age and gender of the child:

Increased level

When free T3 hormone is elevated, the patient experiences:

  • increased sweating;
  • the skin becomes warm and moist to the touch;
  • hair becomes thinner;
  • increased contraction of the heart muscles;
  • abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia);
  • increased appetite;
  • increased wave-like contraction of the intestinal muscles, a tendency to diarrhea appears;
  • increased systolic blood pressure;
  • sudden weight loss;
  • the appearance of nervousness, emotional instability;
  • muscle weakness;
  • fatigue;
  • hand trembling;
  • extension palpebral fissures, protrusion of the eyeballs;
  • the calcium content in blood cells increases;
  • Irregularity of menstruation.

All of the above symptoms mean that their manifestation indicates the presence of a number of diseases, such as toxic goiter, adenoma, meloma, pathological processes in the liver chronic form, nephrotic syndrome, thyrotropinoma, thyroid dysfunction in the postpartum period.

An increased level of free T3 also manifests itself in cases of excessive thyroid function (thyrotoxicosis) and iodine deficiency. Either when long-term use drugs that have a direct effect on the level of hormones ( oral contraceptives, estrogens, etc.).

Reduced level

If a patient's free T3 hormone level is low, the following symptoms are observed:

  • hair loss;
  • weakness of the eyelids;
  • decreased field of vision;
  • loss of appetite;
  • weakened intestinal motility, frequent constipation;
  • inhibition of actions;
  • muscle weakness;
  • decreased contraction of the heart muscles;
  • impotence (in men);
  • frequent with copious discharge menstruation (in women);
  • increase in cholesterol levels.

The listed disorders reflect a decreased level of the hormone, which indicates the presence of diseases such as primary hypothyroidism congenital origin (underdevelopment or complete absence thyroid), acute failure iodine, thyroiditis acute form, pathology of internal organs with a severe form, chronic disease liver, lack of protein.

Note that a decreased hormone level does not always indicate the presence of various diseases. There is a decrease in its concentration in expectant mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy. As a rule, with the birth of the baby the indicator returns to normal.

Having determined the results of the analysis, you should not make hasty conclusions and make a diagnosis yourself, relying only on the free T3 indicator. Often, for accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to check the status of hormone concentrations in the body as a whole. It is also important to say that drug therapy it is prescribed only by the attending physician, having assessed the test data, performed an examination and determined the individuality of the body.

It still seems like it’s not easy to cure your thyroid?

Considering that you are now reading this article, we can conclude that this illness still haunts you.

You've probably also had thoughts about surgical intervention. This is clear, because the thyroid gland is one of the most important organs on which your wellness and health. And shortness of breath, constant fatigue, irritability and other symptoms clearly interfere with your enjoyment of life...

But, you see, it is more correct to treat the cause, not the effect. We recommend reading the story of Irina Savenkova about how she managed to cure her thyroid gland...

Osteopenia is one of the osteochondropathy (bone and cartilage tissue), characterized by a decrease in bone density. If you have been diagnosed with osteopenia, this means that your bone density is reduced, but the indicators are far from critical. Some decrease in density is normal.

Bone density is measured by so-called T-scores. A T-score less than -1.0 means your bone density is below normal.

A low T-score does not necessarily mean you are losing bone. It is possible that your normal bone density is below average - this is usually due to genetic factors. Additionally, as most people age, their bone density decreases, which does not always mean that a person has osteopenia. To put accurate diagnosis, at least two bone density tests are required - as a rule, with osteopenia, T-scores in each subsequent test will be significantly lower than in the previous one. On my own - not a disease, but it may mean you are at significant risk of developing osteoporosis in the future.

How to Protect Your Bones

If your test shows that your bone density is declining, you need to take steps to stop or slow down the process. Using the methods listed below, you can prevent the development of other types of osteochondropathy .

  • Get enough calcium daily. Women and men under 50 years of age need 1,000 mg of calcium per day. Women over 50 years old should consume at least 1200 mg of calcium per day. For men aged 50 to 70 years daily norm calcium is 1000 mg, after 71 years - 1200 mg. It is advisable that all the calcium you consume comes from food, but if this is not possible, take a vitamin supplement.
  • Vitamin D. For people under 50 years of age, the daily requirement of vitamin D is 400-800 IU (international units), after 50 years - 800-1000 IU. Calcium cannot be absorbed if the body lacks vitamin D, so it is necessary for the prevention and treatment of osteopenia.
  • Regular physical activity is necessary to maintain healthy bone tissue. For bones, types of stress such as walking, running, jumping rope, and various strength exercises are especially important.
  • Be careful with salt, caffeine and cola. Excessive consumption of these foods is harmful to bones.
  • Don't smoke. Smoking has a negative effect on the condition of bone tissue.
  • Avoid alcohol abuse. In large quantities, alcohol weakens bones and harms overall health.
  • Consult your doctor. Regular examinations and consultations will help you take more effective measures to maintain bone health.

Today, very often, to diagnose a wide variety of diseases, a blood test is prescribed for hormones produced by the thyroid gland. This study consists of determining the level of thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine - T4 and T3, respectively), which are produced by the thyroid gland, as well as the associated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), produced by the pituitary gland. The analysis allows the endocrinologist to assess the condition important body the human body as a whole and correctly prescribe treatment if a deviation from the norm is detected.

Characteristics of hormones

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is produced in the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. His functional purpose is the stimulation of the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland:

  • T3 (triiodothyronine),
  • T4 (thyroxine).

Triiodothyronine and thyroxine are very important highly active biological substances responsible for general health person. T3 and T4 ensure proper metabolism, normal work vegetative and cardiovascular and digestive system, and also support mental functions human body. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine and thyroxine are interdependent. On the one hand, TSH stimulates the production of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland, and when their levels rise, these substances suppress the production of TSH in the pituitary gland. Thus, self-regulation occurs in a healthy human body hormonal balance, based on "feedback".

A condition in which T3 and T4b are produced normal quantity, called eutheriosis. In endocrinology, the following pathologies are distinguished when the norm is violated:

  • Hypothyroidism - with a deviation in the direction of decrease.
  • Hyperthyroidism - with a deviation in the direction of increase.
  • Thyrotoxicosis - with active production of biological substances.

TSH norm

An important indicative test is the determination of TSH in the blood. Such a study is prescribed simultaneously with tests for T3 and T4 produced by the thyroid gland. The TSH norm varies depending on age and can be in honey/l:

  • for newborns – 0.7–11;
  • for children over 10 weeks – 0.6–10;
  • up to two years – 0.5–7;
  • up to five years – 0.4–6;
  • up to 14 years – 0.4–5;
  • for adults – 0.3–4.

The highest amount of TSH in healthy people is detected in the morning. If the level is significantly higher than normal, this means that the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of thyroid-stimulating hormones and this may indicate the following pathologies:

  • mental illnesses,
  • malfunction of the adrenal glands,
  • absence of gallbladder,
  • hypothyroidism,
  • pituitary tumors.

In addition, increased levels of TSH in the blood are observed in pregnant women and with prolonged elevated unbearable physical activity. In such cases, normalization hormonal levels occurs after the disappearance of the causes that caused the imbalance. It is normal for pregnant women to have elevated TSH levels, especially in the first trimester, when the fetus's thyroid gland is still developing and not working properly.

If the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone is low, then this primarily indicates reduced function of the pituitary gland. Among domestic reasons, which can provoke a decrease in TSH, strong ones should be noted psychological stress and overdose of hormone-containing drugs. In addition, a decrease in this biosubstance in the blood can occur with the development of the following pathologies:

  • thyrotoxicosis,
  • benign formations on the thyroid gland,
  • brain tumors.

Norm of T4 hormone

An analysis of thyroxine levels in the blood is almost always prescribed simultaneously with a study of TSH levels. The combination of two values ​​allows you to assess how well the thyroid gland copes with its functions. Thyroxine in the blood can be bound to proteins (albumin) or unbound (free T4). The total value is the total thyroxine, but the amount of free thyroxine is considered more informative.

Standard total T4 is measured in nmol/l. In newborn children, the most high level thyroxine, which is in the range of 69.6-219. IN age period up to 20 years, the upper limit norm gradually decreases. Therefore, the analysis results are deciphered using special tables. After 20 years, the normative range of the hormone remains unchanged and is:

  • for men - 59-135;
  • for women -71-142.

During pregnancy, an overdose of hormonal medications, and disorders of the liver and kidneys, it is important to determine the level of free thyroxine in the blood in order to exclude a false diagnosis. The free T4 norm is most often measured in pmol/l and is in the following ranges:

  • for men - 12.6-21;
  • for women -10.8-22.

For pregnant women, the permissible normative values ​​differ and change by trimester:

  • during pregnancy less than 13 weeks - 12.1-19.6;
  • during pregnancy from 13 weeks to 28 weeks – 9.6 -17;
  • during pregnancy 28 weeks to 42 weeks – 8.4-15.6.

Most common cause An increase in thyroxine is Graves' disease. Other common pathologies that lead to an increase in the production of bioactive substances by the thyroid gland are liver and kidney diseases, obesity and benign tumors thyroid glands

A decrease in thyroxine below normal is most often due to the development of thyroiditis. Besides, low level T4 is observed when:

  • removed thyroid gland,
  • iodine deficiency in the body,
  • insufficient amount of protein in the diet,
  • lead poisoning.

Norm T3

The concentration of triiodothyronine in the blood is much lower than that of thyroxine, but its biological activity is higher. T3 affects the supply of oxygen to all tissues of the human body, accelerates protein metabolism, lowers cholesterol levels and is involved in the production of vitamin A in the liver. An analysis of the amount of triiodothyronine in the blood is usually prescribed when there is a need to clarify the condition of the thyroid gland. Total T3 is determined by the following standard ranges of values, unit nmol/l:

  • up to 20 years - 1.23-3.23;
  • up to 50 years - 1.08-3.14;
  • after 50 years - 0.62-2.79.

The level of free triiodothyronine is considered more indicative; its norm is 2.6-5.7 pmol/l. As the amount of free T3 increases, severe headaches and elevated temperature bodies for a long time. External signs is hand trembling and emotional imbalance. A low level of triiodothyronine is characterized by rapid fatigue, muscle weakness and causeless cramps. Also, with a low amount of T3, sleep is disturbed and brain activity, which manifests itself as a slowdown in thinking.

Indications for hormone tests and rules for taking them

If a patient turns to an endocrinologist with complaints about his condition for the first time or for the purpose of a preventive examination, the doctor will definitely prescribe the following tests to assess the functions of the thyroid gland:

  • on the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone,
  • on the level of free thyroxine,
  • on the level of free triiodothyronine.

This will be quite enough to draw correct conclusions about the state of the thyroid gland. The general standard for the initial examination is not indicative. If there is a suspicion of a serious pathology, then other studies may be prescribed, but the endocrinologist makes such a decision in each specific case on an individual basis. Also, the amount of bioactive substances produced by the thyroid gland may be of interest to doctors of other specializations in order to clarify the diagnosis. Indications may be:

  • impotence,
  • infertility,
  • arrhythmia of the heart muscle,
  • delayed sexual and mental development,
  • amenorrhea,
  • decreased libido.

Venous blood for analysis is always donated in the morning on an empty stomach. It is important to stop taking it one month before the test. hormonal drugs, and three days before blood sampling, avoid taking iodine-containing products. On the eve of the test day, you should avoid stressful situations and minimize physical activity.

Analyzes for thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH), produced by the pituitary gland, and hormones produced by the thyroid gland (T3 and T4), allow an accurate diagnosis and treatment correct treatment. Their values ​​depend primarily on the age factor, but can also change under certain external conditions.

Transports iodine in the blood to the cells of the body. Reasons for changing the concentration rate:

  • with viral hepatitis;
  • when taking medications;
  • hypofunction of the thyroid gland.
  • stress, disorders;
  • glomerulonephritis;
  • liver cirrhosis;
  • thyrotoxicosis;
  • medicines.

Norms of indicators in blood tests

The normal indicators in hormone tests are:

Thyroid hormone levels will tell the specialist about the health of the gland.

But it is necessary to understand that the interpretation of the analysis will be done correctly if the gender and age of the patient are taken into account.

An important point will be the choice of analysis indicator.

Therefore, it is necessary to entrust everything to an endocrinologist, and not try to draw a conclusion based on data on the Internet.

You may be interested in:


Norms of thyroid hormone levels in women and men
Abnormalities of TSH in children: causes, symptoms, methods of correction
Normal thyroid ultrasound in children
Important and essential thyroid hormones