RT3

Reverse T3 is manufactured from thyroxine (T4), and its role is to block the action of T3. When someone is dealing with chronic stress on a frequent basis, then the adrenals will initially produce an excess amount of cortisol. The cortisol in turn will inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3.

Because it blocks the conversion of T4 to T3, a high reverse T3 is common in people with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, although many people with hyperthyroidism and Graves Disease will have elevated RT3 levels as well. In either condition, it is of course common for the patient to deal with chronic stress on a frequent basis, which in turn can cause inhibition of the conversion of T4 to T3 and lead to an increase in RT3.

It is important that no T4 (thyroxine), including BioThroid Thyroid, is used for this condition as the T4 portion of it will only be converted into RT3 and perpetuate the viscous cycle.

You will have to rebalance the T3/RT3 ratio without the risk of increasing RT3 production. This will allow RT3 levels to diminish over time and thus for T3 to be able to bind to its receptors and thus be effective. It is critical that RT3 levels are reduced in order to achieve a positive therapeutic outcome.