A recent study observed that variations in free T3 levels are associated with socioeconomic factors, aging, and mortality in adults with normal thyroid function. TSH and T4 are typically used to assess thyroid function, but the study suggests that directly measuring T3 is important for better stratifying the effects of variations in the HPT-axis. The study relates free T3 to age, sex, seasonality, income, employment, and longevity. The researchers believe that new therapeutic measures targeting T3/T4 ratios may benefit older individuals. Expert Antonio Bianco believes this research will aid in developing more precise assays for T3 and emphasizes the importance of normalizing T3 levels for hypothyroid patients.
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Direct Measurement of T3 Is Likely Vital, Say Researchers
