T4 and T3 are essential hormones produced by your thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck.
T4, also known as Thyroxine, is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Its name T4 stands for ‘tetraiodothyronine’, indicating that it has four iodine atoms. T4 is a bit like the thyroid’s storage hormone, waiting to be converted into the more active T3 when necessary.
T3, or Triiodothyronine, is the active form of the thyroid hormone. As the name suggests, it has three iodine atoms. It is derived from T4 when one of the iodine atoms is removed, a process that primarily occurs in the liver.
So, what do T4 and T3 do for you? In a nutshell, they keep your body’s metabolism running smoothly. They control the rate at which your body uses energy from food, influencing everything from your heart rate to your body temperature to your digestion. They even play a crucial role in growth and brain development.
Think of T4 and T3 as your body’s gas pedal. When they’re at the right levels, your body runs like a well-tuned car. Too little (a condition known as hypothyroidism), and you might feel like you’re slogging through mud—tired, cold, and forgetful. Too much (hyperthyroidism), and you may feel like you’re in overdrive—nervous, hot, and losing weight without trying.
In essence, T4 and T3 are crucial for maintaining your body’s equilibrium and keeping your bodily functions humming along smoothly.