Skip to main content

Reverse Triiodothyronine

Meaning

Reverse Triiodothyronine ($text{rT}_3$) is an inactive metabolite of the primary thyroid hormone thyroxine ($text{T}_4$), representing a critical component of the body’s thyroid hormone regulatory system. Unlike the active hormone $text{T}_3$ (Triiodothyronine), $text{rT}_3$ is metabolically inert and does not activate thyroid receptors, effectively acting as an antagonist or brake on thyroid action. Elevated $text{rT}_3$ levels are often observed in states of physiological stress, illness, or caloric restriction, serving as a protective mechanism to downregulate metabolism. Clinical evaluation of $text{rT}_3$ alongside $text{T}_3$ and $text{T}_4$ provides a more nuanced assessment of peripheral thyroid function.