Drug Class: Synthetic thyroid hormone
Average Dose: 25-100 mcg/day
Comments: Significant suppression of Thyroid function during use
Cytomel® is the popularly recognized brand name for the drug liothyronine
sodium. This is not an anabolic steroid but a thyroid hormone. It
is used medically to treat cases of thyroid insufficiency, obesity,
certain metabolic disorders and fatigue. Specifically this drug is
a pharmaceutical preparation of the natural thyroid hormone triiodothyronine
(T-3). When administered, Cytomel increases the patient's metabolism.
The result is an increased rate of cellular activity (noted by a more
rapid utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins). Bodybuilders
are particularly attracted to this drug for its ability to burn off
body excess fat. Most often utilized during contest preparation, one
can greatly decrease the amount of stored fat without being forced
to severely restrict calories. To this end Cytomel is commonly used
in conjunction with Clenbuterol and can produce extremely dramatic
results. This combination has become very popular in recent years,
no doubt responsible for many "ripped" on-stage physiques.
It is also noted by many that when thyroid hormones are taken in conjunction
with steroids, an increased anabolic effect can be seen (noticeably
greater than if the steroids are used alone). This is likely due to
faster utilization of proteins by the body, increasing the rate for
new muscle accumulation.
Caution should be taken if one is considering using this drug. Cytomel
comes with an extensive list of warnings and precautions which are
not to be ignored. Side effects include, but are not limited to, heart
palpitations, agitation, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat,
sweating, nausea, headaches, and psychic/metabolic disorders. It is
a powerful hormone, and one that could potentially alter the normal
functioning of the body if misused. When taking Cytomel, one must
remember to increase the dosage slowly. Generally one 25mcg tablet
is taken on the first day, and the dosage is thereafter increased
by one tablet every three of four days for a maximum dosage of 100mcg.
This will help the body adjust to the increased thyroid hormone, hopefully
avoiding any sudden "shock" to the system. The daily dose
should also be split evenly throughout the day, in an effort to keep
blood levels steadier. Women are more sensitive to the side effects
of Cytomel than men, and usually choose not to take no more than 50mcg
daily.
It is important to stress that a cycle should last no longer than
6 weeks and it should never be halted abruptly. As slowly as the dosage
was built up it should also be lowered, one tablet every 3-4 days.
Taking Cytomel for too long and/or at too high a dosage can result
in a permanent thyroid deficiency. After doing such, one might need
to be treated with a drug like Cytomel for life. It is also a good
idea to first consult your physician and have your thyroid function
tested. An undiagnosed hyperfunction would not mix well with the added
hormone. An athlete should also be sure never to purchase an injectable
form of the drug. It is generally an emergency room product, much
too powerful for athletic use. Since T-3 is the most powerful thyroid
hormone athletes are using, this is generally not the starting point
for a beginner. Before using such a powerful item, it is a good idea
to become familiar with a weaker substance. The highly popular Triacana
is very mild, allowing the user much more latitude (from severe side
effects) than Cytomel. An in-between point is Synthroid (synthetic
T-4), still weaker in action than Cytomel. Once the user is ready
however, the fat burning effect of this hormone can be extremely dramatic.
Steroid Profiles - Cytomel® (liothyronine Sodium) - Steroidology.com