In a patient with Hypothyroidism, which of the following levels of Free T4 and T3 would you expect?

In a patient with hypothyroidism, the expected levels of Free T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) are decreased. Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid gland that does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which are crucial for regulating metabolism, growth, and development.

In this condition, the decreased production of T4 directly affects the levels of both Free T4 and T3. Often, T4 is converted to T3 in peripheral tissues, and when T4 levels are low, T3 levels also reflect a deficiency, although T3 can sometimes appear relatively normal early in the disease due to compensatory mechanisms. Nonetheless, the definitive finding is that both hormone levels remain low overall in established hypothyroidism.

Monitoring and evaluating thyroid levels in patients exhibiting symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance should consistently yield decreased Free T4 and T3 levels, which aligns with the condition of hypothyroidism. This understanding is essential in diagnosing and managing patients suffering from this endocrine disorder.