FitnessDose

Showing posts with label liothyronine sodium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label liothyronine sodium. Show all posts

Monday, August 12, 2013

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.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

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.