What does it mean when free thyroxine is low?
Oct 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Impaired autoimmune function may trigger Hashimoto's thyroiditis, causing the immune system to mistakenly attack thyroid tissue, leading to a gradual decline in thyroid function, a decrease in free thyroxine levels, and symptoms such as cold intolerance and dry skin. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, selenium yeast tablets, and prednisone acetate tablets for treatment.
In general, a decrease in free thyroxine (FT4) levels may be caused by insufficient iodine intake, excessive use of antithyroid medications, pituitary dysfunction, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or hypothyroidism. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Insufficient Iodine Intake
Iodine is an essential element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Long-term iodine deficiency leads to reduced thyroid hormone production, thereby causing decreased FT4 levels, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and cold intolerance. It is recommended to increase iodine intake through iodized salt, kelp, nori, and other iodine-rich foods.
2. Excessive Antithyroid Medication
Certain drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism, such as methimazole and potassium iodide, may lead to hypothyroidism if improperly dosed or used for prolonged periods, resulting in reduced FT4 levels. Symptoms may include fatigue and slowed heart rate. It is recommended to adjust medication dosage or discontinue under medical supervision.
3. Pituitary Dysfunction
Endocrine disorders may cause pituitary dysfunction, affecting the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones, thus leading to decreased FT4 levels. This condition is often associated with obesity and delayed development. Treatment should follow medical advice using medications such as betamethasone tablets, nivisolone acetate tablets, or hydrocortisone tablets.
4. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Damaged immune function may trigger Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks thyroid tissue, gradually impairing thyroid function and reducing FT4 levels. Symptoms may include cold intolerance and dry skin. Treatment should follow medical guidance using levothyroxine sodium tablets, selenium yeast tablets, prednisone acetate tablets, etc.
5. Hypothyroidism
Inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones may lead to hypothyroidism, causing damage or functional decline of thyroid tissue and resulting in decreased FT4 levels. Symptoms may include sluggishness and excessive sleepiness. Treatment should be conducted under medical supervision using thyroid extract tablets, methylprednisolone tablets, prednisone acetate tablets, etc.
In daily life, appropriate physical exercise can be beneficial to enhance physical strength and boost immune function.
