Thyroid Optimization: Why T3 Matters as Much as T4
Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most underdiagnosed — and undertreated — conditions in functional medicine. The standard of care typically involves testing TSH and, if abnormal, prescribing T4 (levothyroxine). For many patients, that’s not enough.
Here’s why, and what a more comprehensive approach looks like.
How Thyroid Hormones Work
Your thyroid gland produces T4 (thyroxine), which is relatively inactive on its own. T4 must be converted to T3 (triiodothyronine) in peripheral tissues before it can act at the cellular level. T3 has a short half-life and is the hormone that actually drives metabolism, energy production, cognitive function, and body temperature regulation.
Several things can go wrong in this system: the thyroid may not produce enough T4; the body may fail to convert T4 to T3 efficiently; or cellular receptor sensitivity may be reduced so that even adequate hormone levels don’t produce adequate effects. Conventional labs often miss these nuances because they only measure TSH.
T4 also crosses into the central nervous system more readily than T3, which is why both are needed for optimal neurological function — and why T4-only replacement leaves many patients still symptomatic.
Symptoms of Suboptimal Thyroid Function
- Persistent fatigue and low energy
- Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Brain fog, poor memory, and difficulty concentrating
- Depression and low motivation
- Feeling cold frequently
- Hair thinning or loss
- Dry skin and brittle nails
- Poor overall sense of well-being
Benefits of Comprehensive Thyroid Optimization
Restoring T3 and T4 to optimal levels supports healthy metabolism and fat breakdown (often leading to meaningful weight loss), lower cholesterol, improved energy and mood, sharper cognition, and protection against cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and increased mortality associated with untreated hypothyroidism.
Potential Side Effects
Too much thyroid hormone can cause sweating, rapid heart rate, and at significantly elevated levels, atrial fibrillation. Dose management and regular monitoring prevent these issues. Thyroid replacement should not be initiated in patients with existing supraventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation without careful cardiology coordination.
How We Prescribe Thyroid
Levothyroxine (T4 only) is the most commonly prescribed form — but it doesn’t work for everyone, particularly those with conversion issues. We also use Armour Thyroid, a desiccated porcine-derived preparation containing both T3 and T4 in a standardized ratio, and compounded thyroid preparations that allow fully customized T3/T4 dosing based on your labs and symptoms.
Important: Thyroid medication must be taken with water only, on an empty stomach, and nothing else — including coffee, vitamins, or other medications — for at least 30 minutes afterward. First thing in the morning is ideal.
If you’re looking for more information about how thyroid optimization might benefit your health, contact us.