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Thyroid Hormone Conversion Rates

Meaning

Thyroid Hormone Conversion Rates refer to the efficiency and balance of the enzymatic processes, primarily deiodination, that transform the prohormone Thyroxine (T4) into the biologically active hormone Triiodothyronine (T3) and the metabolically inactive Reverse Triiodothyronine (rT3). These rates are critical clinical indicators of peripheral thyroid status, as suboptimal conversion can lead to symptoms of hypothyroidism despite normal TSH and total T4 levels. The balance of this conversion is heavily influenced by systemic factors like stress and nutrient status.