What Causes Abnormal Free T4 Levels?

Abnormal free T4 levels can have various causes, just like most other symptoms. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose abnormal free T4 levels, we could:

Research the topic
Find a doctor with the time
Use a diagnostic computer system.

The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "abnormal free T4 levels" as a symptom. Here are two possibilities:

Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

hyperthyroidism in family members

poor cold weather tolerance

frequent dieting

late term miscarriage

poor muscular strength

history of hyperthyroidism

rapid pulse rate

reduced sense of smell

joint pain/swelling/stiffness

incoherent speech

low energy/stamina

very great unexplained weight loss

... and more than 60 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of abnormal free T4 levels:

Cause	Probability	Status
Hypothyroidism	91%	Confirm
Hyperthyroidism	54%	Possible

* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate having had recent lab tests, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:

T4 (Free). Unit: ng/dL [pmol/L]

Possible responses:

→ Don't know
→ Under 0.4 [5] (very low)
→ 0.4 to 0.8 [5-10] (low)
→ 0.9 to 2.0 [11-26] (normal)
→ Over 2.0 [26] (elevated)

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate very low free T4, low free T4, normal free T4 or elevated free T4, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:

Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™