Cytomel (Liothyronine Sodium)

Cytomel is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid but a thyroid hor-mone. As a substance it contains synthetically manufactured Liothyronine sodium (Cytomel) which resembles the natural thyroid hormone tricodidethyronine (L-T3). The thyroid of a healthy person usually produces two hormones, the better known Lthyroxine (L-T4) and the aforementioned L-triiodine-thyronine (L-T3). Since Cytomel is the synthetic equivalent of the latter hormone, it causes the same processes in the body as if the thyroid were to produce more of the hormone. It is interesting to note that L-T3 is clearly the stronger and more effective of these two hormones. This makes Cytomel more effective than the commercially available LT4 compounds such as L-thyroxine or Synthroid. 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 not an anabolic/androgenic steroid but a thyroid hor-mone. As a substance it contains synthetically manufactured liothyronine sodium which resembles the natural thyroid hormone tricodidethyronine (L-T3). The thyroid of a healthy person usually produces two hormones, the better known Lthyroxine (L-T4) and the aforementioned L-triiodine-thyronine (L-T3). Since Cytomel is the synthetic equivalent of the latter hormone, it causes the same processes in the body as if the thyroid were to produce more of the hormone. It is interesting to note that L-T3 is clearly the stronger and more effective of these two hormones. This makes Cytomel more effective than the commercially available LT4 compounds such as L-thyroxine or Synthroid. L-T3 has proven to be 4-5 times more biologically active and to take effect more quickly than L-thyroxine (L-T4)." In school medicine Cytomel is used to treat thyroid insufficiency (hypothyroidism).

Among other secondary symptoms are obesity, metabolic disorders, and fatigue. Bodybuilders take advantage of these characteristics and stimulate their metabolism by taking Cytomel, which causes a faster conversion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Bodybuilders, of course, are especially interested in an increased lipolysis, which means in-creased fat burning. Competing bodybuilders, in particular, use Cytomel during the weeks before a championship since it helps to maintain an extremely low fat content, without necessitating a hunger diet. Athletes who use low dosages of Cytomel report that by the simultaneous intake of steroids, the steroids become more effective, most likely as the result of the faster conversion of protein.

To a great extent several bodybuilders who are pictured in "muscle magazines" and display a hard and defined look in photos, eat fast food and iron this out by taking Cytomel. The over stimulated thyroid burns calories like a blast furnace. Nowadays, instead of Cytomel, athletes use Clenbuterol which is becoming more and more popular. Those who combine these two compounds will burn an enormous amount of fat.

Cytomel is also popular among female bodybuilders. Since women generally have slower metabolisms than men, it is extremely difficult for them to obtain the right form for a competition given today's standards. A drastic reduction of food and calories below the 1000 caloric/day mark can often be avoided by taking Cytomel. Women, no doubt, are more prone to side effects than men but usually get along well with 50 mcg/day. A short-term intake of Cytomel in a reasonable dosage is certainly "healthier" than an extreme hunger diet.

As for the dosage, one should be very careful since Cytomel is a very strong and highly effective thyroid hormone. It is extremely important that one begins with a low dosage, increasing it slowly and evenly over the course of several days. Most athletes begin by taking one 25-mcg tablet per day and increasing this dosage every three to four days by one additional tablet. A dose higher than 100-mcg/ day is not necessary and not advisable. It is not recommended that the daily dose be taken all at once but broken down into three smaller individual doses so that they become more effective. It is also important that Cytomel not be taken for more than six weeks. At least two months of abstinence from the drug needs to follow.

Those who take high dosages of Cytomel over a long period of time are at risk of developing a chronic thyroid insufficiency. As a consequence, the athlete might be forced to take thyroid medication for the rest of his life. It is also important that the dosage is reduced slowly and evenly by taking fewer tablets and -not be ended abruptly. Those who plan to take Cytomel should first consult a physician in order to be sure that no thyroid hyperfunction exists.

Possible side effects are: heart palpitation, trembling, irregular heartbeat, heart oppression, agitation, shortness of breath, excretion of sugar through the urine, excessive perspiration, diarhea, weight loss, psychic disorders, etc., as well as symptoms of hypersensitivity." Our experience is that most symptoms consist of trembling of hands, nausea, headaches, high perspiration, and increased heartbeat. These negative side effects can often be eliminated by temporarily reducing the daily dosage. Those who use Cytomel over several weeks will experience a decrease in muscle mass. This can be avoided or delayed by simultaneously taking steroids. For the most part, since Cytomel also metabolizes protein, the athlete must eat a diet rich in protein. L-T3 can usually be found quite easily. 100 tablets of 0.05 mg each cost approx. $40. It is unlikely that there will be fakes.

GP T3 (Trijodthyronin, Cytomel) For Bodybuilders

Bodubuilders and athletes have used thyroid hormone to lose weight for a long time. Since the thyroid hormone can cause combustion of fats and carbohydrates, many individuals have utlised this ability to lose weight and to perform better at sports. Liothyronine sodium (Cytomel) has been used by individuals in every type of sport. The thyroid hormone is taken orally for 4-6 weeks and then stopped just a week prior to the event. There is no doubt that Cytomel is a very effective fat burner and enhances exercise performance. Many athletes report that short duration usage of Cytomel can result in loss of weight and increased energy.
While this may be true, the issue becomes very complex because most of these athletes also take a wide variety of other supplements and hormones to lose weight.

Thyroid hormones are naturally synthesized in our body, but since the molecules are not complex, many pharmaceutical companies make the synthetic variety of the hormones. There are two basic types of thyroid hormones - T4 known as levothyroxine and T3 known as liothyronine. Both are manufactured and stored in the thyroid gland.

Thyroid hormone from the pharmaceutical companies are obtained in 2 ways - either derived from animal thyroid gland (bovine or ovine sources) or made synthetic. In the USA, the content and quantity of iodine in the thyroid preparation is well regulated.

Cytomel (liothyronine sodium) is available both as a tablet or the salt of a naturally occuring thyroid hormone. GP T3 is many times more potent that T4. The maximum dose of Cytomel which can be taken without causing side effects is about 100ug/day. Anecdotal data from athletes indicate that it takes anywhere from 6-12 weeks to lose weight with Cytomel. The crucial thing for all users of Cytomel is to understand that when the drug is stopped, most people will have developed a state of thyroid insufficiency because the Cytomel has suppressed the thyroid gland from making the natural hormone.

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.

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.
So the dose of thyroid hormone should be slowly tapered over a few weeks to months to allow for the thyroid gland to begin working again.

Should Cytomel be Used for Weight Loss?

In the weight loss world, a debate rages between advocates and opponents of a synthetic hormone replacement drug some are using to shed unwanted pounds. The drug, liothyronine sodium, is given to patients suffering from hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid doesn't make enough natural Triiodothyronine (T3). Liothyronine sodium, better known by the brand name Cytomel, can help treat many symptoms, including weight gain. There are those who are willing to take Cytomel if it means possible weight loss.

The natural thyroid hormone T3 has a role in almost every process in the body. For a person with hypothyroidism, the lack of T3 could mean hampered body growth, hair that breaks easily or falls out, impaired or slowed speech, and weight gain. If used, Cytomel can take the place of T3 and begin to address the hormone deficiency problems. It can also speed up the body's metabolism, making it desirable for dieters. Cytomel as a weight-loss agent works in the same way that T3 would. It stimulates adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which holds energy in the body and then releases it to fuel metabolic reactions. When that happens, it raises the metabolism and makes it easier to burn fat. Cytomel benefits people who lack enough thyroid hormones because it restores functionality to their bodies' processes.

Advocates for Cytomel's use as a weight-loss drug are attracted to its ability to quickly process carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Some bodybuilders and dieters look to Cytomel to burn off extra body fat. The extra release of energy may encourage users to exercise. Those who use Cytomel as a diet aid recommend slowly increasing the dosages until reaching a maximum amount, not to be exceeded. They also advise seeing a doctor before beginning Cytomel and being cautious during its usage. Those who oppose it for dietary use do so on the idea that Cytomel, which serves as a replacement hormone for those with a medical deficiency, can be harmful to people with regular hormone production. They warn that taking unneeded drugs can permanently affect the body's natural functions. Because Cytomel works as a thyroid replacement hormone, it works on almost every process in the body, not just the metabolism. The side effects from unnecessary Cytomel use can include nervousness, headaches, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, breathing problems, and chest and abdominal pain. In serious cases, it could cause shock, heart attack, congestive heart failure, or even death. The package insert for Cytomel warns users about using it as a diet aid. It states that, although thyroid hormone drugs have been used to treat obesity, not all doses will cause weight loss. Large doses may bring about serious or even potentially fatal toxic reactions.

Pros
Cytomel can burn body fat, without restricting caloric intake. The stimulated ATP can release enough energy to promote exercise, which aids in weight loss. Some people believe they can safely take Cytomel with no adverse side effects and lose the weight they want, then come down off the dosages.

Cons
Taking Cytomel, a replacement hormone, with a healthy thyroid could actually bring on hypothyroidism, not to mention other harmful side effects. The amount for a safe dosage in a person with the deficiency is dependent on the degree of hypothyroidism and age; those who take it for weight loss may have less accurate means to determine dosages. It is impossible to determine when and which side effects could appear.

Cytomel works well as a replacement hormone for thyroid deficiency, but there is much controversy over its usefulness as a diet drug. While it greatly boosts the metabolism and can be used to assist in weight loss, it also carries numerous health risks that may outweigh the benefits. Those still willing to try Cytomel to lose weight would be well advised to consult a doctor first, and to follow medical advice.