What if t3 is too high

Excessive amounts of iodine supplements or high-iodine foods like seaweed or fish can potentially lead to hyperthyroidism. Those with thyroid nodules are more at risk, according to research [ 10 , 11 ]. Certain heavy metals can be toxic to humans. Research suggests that exposure to even low levels of cadmium can cause the thyroid gland to become hyperactive and secrete more T3 and T4.

Cadmium exposure is also linked to thyroid tumors, which further increase the levels of thyroid hormones [ 12 , 13 ]. The most obvious example would be thyroid medications that are used to treat low thyroid levels hypothyroidism. For example, desiccated thyroid Armour Thyroid is a drug that contains T3 and T4 extracted from animals. Taking an excessive amount of these drugs can cause thyroid hormone levels to become too high [ 14 , 15 ].

However, there are other, not so obvious medications that can also increase T3, including [ 16 , 17 ]:. Having high T3 levels does not necessarily mean these health risks will occur. If you have abnormal thyroid hormone levels, speak to your doctor about how they may affect you. High T3 levels in the blood may lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms can vary greatly depending on age, the severity of the disease, and the presence of other conditions. The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include [ 4 ]:. Hyperthyroidism can also sometimes lead to thyroid storm, a life-threatening condition that is usually triggered by another serious illness, such as fever, infection, or a heart attack. Those with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism and those who abruptly stop their antithyroid medications are more at risk [ 18 ].

Thyroid storm is essentially a severe form of hyperthyroidism and shares many of the same symptoms. However, a thyroid storm can also cause fever, confusion, heart attack, and jaundice yellowing of the skin and eyes. This condition requires immediate medical attention [ 18 ]. High levels of thyroid hormones can be dangerous for both the mother and baby. For example, women with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism are about 9 times more likely to have a low birth weight pregnancy and are almost 17 times more likely to give birth prematurely [ 19 , 8 ].

Hyperthyroidism pregnancy complications for the mother may include [ 19 , 8 ]:. Hyperthyroidism complications that may affect the baby include [ 19 , 8 ]:. Proper control of thyroid hormones is critical during pregnancy.

Dosing requirements for thyroid medications often change while pregnant. Either test may be used to check T3 levels. If T3 levels are not normal, it can be a sign of thyroid disease. A T3 test is most often used to diagnose hyperthyroidism , a condition in which the body makes too much thyroid hormone.

T3 tests are frequently ordered with T4 and TSH thyroid stimulating hormone tests. A T3 test may also be used to monitor treatment for thyroid disease. A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle.

After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. You don't need any special preparations for a T3 blood test. Your health care provider will let you know if you need to stop taking any medicines before your test.

Certain medicines can raise or lower T3 levels. When you have your blood drawn, you can expect to have a bit of discomfort during the procedure. You may also have minor bleeding or bruising afterward. In some cases, you may feel light-headed. Serious symptoms, though rare, can include fainting, infection, excessive bleeding, and inflammation of the vein.

Here are some facts you should know about hypothyroidism and how it differs from hyperthyroidism. A test to measure the level of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin TSI in your blood is available.

Your doctor may order it if you have signs of…. Learn why a thyroid-stimulating hormone test is performed, what to expect during the test, and what the test results may mean. If you have symptoms of, or a history with thyroid disorders, it may make sense for you to check your TSH levels with an at-home TSH test. These are…. Your thyroid gland is responsible for growth and metabolism in your body.

Here are 10 common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, or low thyroid…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. When they have collected enough blood, they will remove the needle and apply a cotton ball or bandage.

T3 testing generally does not cause side effects, but there is a slight risk of throbbing, soreness, or mild bruising at the injection site.

Some people might also feel lightheaded during or just after the procedure. You can also consider at-home thyroid test kits to measure T3 and other thyroid hormone levels. High T3 levels can indicate several conditions, including hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis excess circulating hormones. In some cases, they can signify thyroid cancer , but this disease does not often cause abnormal T3 levels.

Nodules and lumps that grow on the thyroid can also cause hyperthyroidism. Doctors refer to this as toxic nodular goiter.

If a doctor believes that someone has hyperthyroidism, they will suggest suitable treatments, such as:. Low T3 test results can indicate an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. Sometimes, low T3 can also indicate starvation. According to the ATA , a person can develop an underactive thyroid due to autoimmune disease, or as a result of radiation treatment or thyroid surgery. Sometimes, getting too much or too little iodine also causes symptoms.

Treatment often includes levothyroxine medication, which replaces the hormones that the thyroid should produce. This drug controls the symptoms of hypothyroidism, but it does not cure the condition.

The ATA outline some other thyroid tests a doctor may order, including:. High levels can indicate hyperthyroidism, and low levels can be a sign of hypothyroidism. However, other factors can also influence T3 levels, including certain medications and pregnancy.

Due to this, a doctor may need to run additional tests to determine whether someone has a thyroid condition. A person's diet can affect the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.