Cytomel

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Cytomel contains synthetically manufactured Liothyronine Sodium which resembles the natural thyroid hormone Tricodide-thyronine (L-T3). It is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid but a thyroid hormone.

The thyroid gland of a healthy person produces two hormones, L-thyroxine (L-T4) and L-triiodine-thyronine (L-T3). Cytomel is the synthetic equivalent of the latter hormone and causes the same processes as the natural L-T3 hormone.

L-T3 is the stronger and more effective of these two hormones which makes Cytomel more effective than the other commercially available L-T4 compounds such as L-Thyroxine or Synthroid.

Manufacturers of the German L-T3 compound, HoechstAG, assert that in experimental and clinical testing L-T3 has proven to be 4-5 times more biologically active and to take effect more quickly than L-thyroxine (L-T4). Cytomel is used to treat thyroid insufficiency (hypothyroidism) and other secondary symptoms like obesity, metabolic disorders, and fatigue.

Bodybuilders stimulate their metabolism with Cytomel, which causes a faster conversion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Fat-burning is the deciding motive of course. Competing bodybuilders use Cytomel in the weeks leading to a championship since it helps maintain extremely low fat content, without demanding a hunger diet. Athletes on low dosages of Cytomel report that with simultaneous intake of Cytomel with steroids, the steroids become more effective - most likely as the result of the faster conversion of protein.

Until recently, Cytomel was being used by bodybuilders male and especially female, on a daily basis over several months to remain 'hard' and in good shape throughout the year.

There are bodybuilders who eat fast food and burn it out by taking Cytomel. The over stimulated thyroid burns calories like a blast furnace. Nowadays, Cytomel is being increasingly replaced with Clenbuterol by athletes. Then there are those who combine these two compounds and burn an enormous amount of fat.

Cytomel and Women Bodybuilders

Cytomel is also very popular among female bodybuilders as women generally have a slower rate of metabolism than men. To obtain the right form for a competition given today's standards is a harder task for women. They have found a way out of a drastic reduction of food and calories below the 1000 calorie/day mark by taking Cytomel. Women, no doubt, are more prone to side effects than men but usually seem to get along very well with 50 mcg/day. Most female bodybuilders believe that a short-term intake of Cytomel in a reasonable dosage is certainly 'healthier' than an extreme hunger diet.

Cytomel - Dosage

Cytomel is no doubt a very strong and highly effective thyroid hormone. It is absolutely necessary that one begin with a real low dosage, increasing it slowly and evenly over the course of several days.

Athletes generally begin by taking one 25 mcg tablet per day and increase this dosage every three to four days by one additional tablet. A dose higher than 100 mcg/ day is neither necessary nor advisable. If daily dosage is broken down into three smaller individual doses it becomes more effective. It is also important that Cytomel not be taken for more than six weeks followed by at least two months of abstinence. It is equally important that the dosage is reduced and phased out slowly and evenly by reducing the number of tablets instead of stopping abruptly.

Cytomel - Side Effects

German pharmaceutical group Hoechst AG talk about side effects for their compound Thybon in this manner : 'Exceeding the individual limits of compatibility for liothyronine or taking an overdose, especially, if the dose is increased too quickly at the beginning of the treatment, can cause the following clinical symptoms for a thyroid hyper function): heart palpitation, trembling, irregular heartbeat, heart oppression, agitation, shortness of breath, excretion of sugar through the urine, excessive perspiration, diarrhea, weight loss, psychic disorders, etc., as well as symptoms of hypersensitivity.'

From our experience most general symptoms consist of trembling of hands, nausea, headaches, high perspiration, and increased heartbeat. However, these negative side effects can often be eliminated by temporarily reducing the daily dosage.

Cytomel, if not administered with caution especially in the beginning, can produce effects that can be quick and sometimes drastic. Athletes do not use the injectable version of L-T3, as this is normally used as 'emergency therapy for thyrotoxic coma'.

Using Cytomel over several weeks will make athletes experience a decrease in muscle mass, but this can be avoided or delayed by simultaneously taking steroids.

As Cytomel also metabolizes protein the idea is to eat a diet rich in protein.