It is known which gland produces the hormone thyroxine (T4) – this is the thyroid gland. It makes up 90% of all hormones that are produced by the gland. It has a great effect on the nervous system, the functioning of the heart, liver, kidneys, accelerates and normalizes metabolism. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is able to convert to triiodothyronine, which contains iodine, which is essential for maintaining health. The hormone thyroxine contains four atoms of iodine (83% of the mass of the entire hormone), as well as the amino acid tyrosine. T4 synthesis occurs in the follicles of the thyroid gland, if there is a failure in the secreting gland, a nodular goiter is formed, since there is an acute lack of iodine.
Basic functions of t4
The main function of m4 in the body is to maintain the health of the endocrine system, since the secreting gland depends on its synthesis of iodine, which is part of it.
But his unique abilities allow him to perform such functions:
- reduce blood cholesterol levels;
- stimulate the work of the nervous system;
- stimulate lipid metabolism;
- reduce high blood pressure;
- improve the level of calcium absorption by the body;
- stimulate the endocrine system;
- takes part in the formation of new blood cells.
Doctors say this thyroid hormone is essential for maintaining a person’s beauty, slimness, and active lifestyle.
When it is normal, then the person does not gain excess weight, as it increases the metabolic rate. Even with an increase in calorie intake, T4 is produced in greater quantities and helps burn calories. Therefore, knowing what this hormone is responsible for and what is unique in its molecules, we can safely say that when it is lacking, the body immediately fails, and only analyzes can establish its general composition in the blood.
The hormone rate in men and women
The rate depends on the age, time of day and gender of the patient. To detect congenital diseases, in newborns on the fifth day of life, blood is taken for screening, its indicators should not exceed 49 pmol / l, but also less than 22 pmol / l. is considered a pathology. In adolescents, it is from 8 to 17 pmol / l. In women, the norm is considered to be from 10.3 to 24.5 pmol / l. during pregnancy, the permissible rate increases, since the thyroid gland intensively produces a hormone to maintain pregnancy.
In men, the norm is from 22 to 30 pmol / l.
This hormone is irreplaceable for women, since the functioning of the reproductive system depends on it.
Before taking a TSH test, it is not recommended to engage in strong physical activity, drink alcohol and smoke for several days. The most favorable time for analysis is the period from 8.00 to 11.00 in the morning.
Signs of a lack and excess of the T4 hormone in the blood
The general state of health with a shortage or excess of T4 immediately deteriorates. An insufficient daily rate of iodine or, on the contrary, an increased rate of iodine in the blood, which contains a large amount of the hormone, leads to the following disorders:
- the skin becomes dry, often flakes;
- hair and nails grow poorly, become brittle;
- swelling appears;
- low pressure;
- rapid fatigability, drowsiness;
- pain in the thyroid gland, shortness of breath;
- decreased appetite, but excess body weight occurs, since metabolism slows down;
- thinking slows down;
- premature aging of the body develops.
Only according to the test results are TSH blood and antibodies to TPO (required for a complete analysis of T4 because the hormone thyroxine turns into triiodothyronine) and a preliminary consultation with a doctor can confirm its excess or lack in the body. A shortage leads to the development of the disease, hypothyroidism, and an excess provokes the disease – hyperthyroidism (the thyroid gland works in an increased rhythm, which contributes to the aging of cells, most of the microelements are simply not absorbed by the body). It is impossible to independently establish this diagnosis. Its deficiency, like excess, negatively affects the work of all organs and systems, especially the work of the endocrine system.
It is very simple to treat excess or deficiency of T4 in the blood – correction to normal by ingesting thyroxine substitutes. Therefore, you should not be afraid of these diagnoses. Today they are completely healed in a short period of time. But the sooner you consult a doctor and identify a deficiency or its excess, then less damage will be done to health than with advanced forms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, which lead to the development of pathologies.