In hypothyroidism, which analyte decreases?

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Multiple Choice

In hypothyroidism, which analyte decreases?

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland underproduces hormones, so the level of free thyroxine (FT4) in the blood falls. Free T4 is the circulating hormone that reflects the body’s thyroid status, so its decrease directly indicates reduced thyroid output. Because low T4 removes negative feedback on the pituitary, TSH typically rises rather than falls in primary hypothyroidism, so a decrease in TSH would be unusual for this condition. Cholesterol can actually increase with hypothyroidism due to slower metabolism, not decrease. An increase in FT4 would contradict the hypothyroid state. Therefore, the analyte that decreases is free T4.

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland underproduces hormones, so the level of free thyroxine (FT4) in the blood falls. Free T4 is the circulating hormone that reflects the body’s thyroid status, so its decrease directly indicates reduced thyroid output. Because low T4 removes negative feedback on the pituitary, TSH typically rises rather than falls in primary hypothyroidism, so a decrease in TSH would be unusual for this condition. Cholesterol can actually increase with hypothyroidism due to slower metabolism, not decrease. An increase in FT4 would contradict the hypothyroid state. Therefore, the analyte that decreases is free T4.

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