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Thyroid Hormone Conversion Efficiency

Meaning

Thyroid Hormone Conversion Efficiency describes the precision with which the body converts the less active prohormone thyroxine (T4) into the biologically potent triiodothyronine (T3) within peripheral tissues. This conversion, mediated by deiodinase enzymes, is a critical regulatory step often impaired by inflammation or nutritional deficiencies. Low efficiency results in functional hypothyroidism even when circulating T4 levels appear adequate. This metric is essential for assessing true thyroid status.