The free T4 (thyroxine) count measures the quantity of active or unbound thyroid hormone in the circulation. The thyroid gland produces thyroxine, which plays an essential function in regulating the body’s metabolism, growth, and development.

A low Free T4 count can indicate a variety of scenarios or situations, including:

• Hypothyroidism: Low Free T4 levels are frequently associated with a thyroid gland that is underactive.
• Primary hypothyroidism: This is caused by a dysfunction with the thyroid gland, which does not generate enough thyroid hormones.
• Secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism: A low Free T4 concentration can be caused by problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which interfere with the generation and release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
• Certain treatments, such as antithyroid medications or high doses of thyroid hormone replacement therapy, might reduce Free T4 levels.
• Non-thyroidal sickness or systemic illness: Severe or chronic disorders, such as severe renal disease, liver failure, or some malignancies, can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and cause low Free T4 levels.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy might influence thyroid function, resulting in low Free T4 levels in some circumstances.
• Rare congenital disorders: In rare cases, hereditary abnormalities can cause low Free T4 levels from birth.

A high free T4 count may have the following consequences:

• Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland generates an abnormally large amount of thyroid hormones, particularly T4.
• Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that causes hyperthyroidism.
• Thyroid nodules or goiter: Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths in the thyroid gland, whereas a goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. Some nodules can overproduce thyroid hormones, resulting in elevated free T4 levels.
• Treatments or supplements: Certain treatments, such as thyroid hormone replacement therapy or excessive consumption of thyroid hormone supplements, can cause an increase in free T4 levels.