What is Reverse T3 and Why Should You Test for it with Hashimoto’s?

Reverse T3. You’ve probably heard of T3 since it shows up pretty commonly on thyroid panels. But what is Reverse T3? And why should you test for this biomarker?

Let’s dive into reverse T3 so you can better understand it in your labs and help empower you on your Hashi Healing journey. But first, let’s quickly cover some basics.

What is Reverse T3?

Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that results in the gradual destruction of the thyroid gland. This can lead to a reduction in the production of thyroid hormones, including T3 and T4, which play a critical role in regulating metabolism.

Reverse T3 is a biologically inactive form of T3 that can accumulate in the body when there is an imbalance between T3 and rT3. This can occur when the body is under stress, such as during illness or when there is a lack of nutrients, especially selenium, zinc, and iron, that are important for thyroid hormone production. Elevated levels of rT3 can compete with T3 for binding to receptors in the body, leading to a reduction in the amount of active T3 available.

Why Test for Reverse T3?

Testing for rT3 can help to diagnose the underlying cause of hypothyroidism in individuals with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis. If high levels of rT3 are found, it may indicate that the body is in a state of stress, which is affecting the production and utilization of thyroid hormones.

So if these high levels are found, treatment to help address the clues provided by elevated rT3 levels may include lifestyle changes to reduce stress, improving nutrient status, and adjusting thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

As a result, testing for rT3 is important in individuals with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis because it can provide important information about the underlying cause of hypothyroidism and other thyroid-related symptoms.

Next Steps

Although reverse T3 isn’t a common test, it’s a good idea to request this on a thorough thyroid panel because it can provide valuable information about your disease. And this information can help healthcare providers to develop an effective treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the problem and helps to restore thyroid hormone balance in the body.