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Thyroid T3 Conversion

Meaning

Thyroid T3 Conversion is the critical metabolic process where the relatively inactive prohormone, Thyroxine (T4), is enzymatically converted into the biologically active hormone, Triiodothyronine (T3), primarily in peripheral tissues like the liver, kidneys, and muscle. T3 is the key hormone that binds to nuclear receptors and regulates basal metabolic rate, body temperature, and energy production across virtually all cell types. The efficiency of this conversion is a major determinant of overall metabolic and hormonal health, and impairment often leads to symptoms of hypothyroidism despite normal T4 levels. Clinical focus is often placed on optimizing the cofactors and enzymes involved in this crucial step.