Cytomel is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid but
a thyroid hormone. As a substance it contains synthetically
manufactured liothyronine sodium which resembles
the natural thyroid hormone tricodide-thyronine
(L-T3). The thyroid of a healthy person usually
produces two hormones, the better known L-thyroxine
(L-T4) and the aforementioned L-trilodine~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 L-T4 compounds such
as L-thyroxine or Synthroid. The manufacturer of
the German L-T3 compound, Hoechst AG, ascribes the
following characteristics to its Thybon drug, making
it clear that L-T3 is superior to L-T4: "The synthetically
manufactured thyroid hormone, L-trilodine-thyronine
(L-T3), included in Thybon, in experimental and
clinical testing 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 charcteristics 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 increased 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.
Until recently, Cytomel was used
by bodybuilders and female bodybuilders, in particular-on
a daily basis over several months to remain "hard"
and in good shape all year round. Believe us when
we tell you that 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. The next time you read that a certain pro
bodybuilder approaching a championship competition
is still eating 4000 calories a day, you will know
why. 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 calorie/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 hyper function exists.
Possible side effects such as medication
are described in the package insert by the German
pharmaceutical group Hoechst AG for their compound
Thybon: "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 hyperfunction): 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." 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. Caution, however is advised when taking
Cytomel since, especially in the beginning, the
effect can be quick and sometimes drastic. Athletes
do not use the injectable version of L-T3, this
is normally used as "emergency therapy for thyrotoxic
coma." 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.
