Cytadren is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid. Since it is a
steroidbiosynthesial inhibitor it belongs to the group of sex
hormones. Cytadren inhibits the build up of androgens, estrogens,
and the suprarenal cortical hormones (glucocorticoids and
mineralocorticoids).
Let us first take a look at the latter two points since they explain
why athletes are interested in this compound. Cytadren has a highly
anti estrogenic effect since, on the one hand, it inhibits the bodys
own estrogen production and, on the other hand, it obviates the
conversion of androgens into estrogens. This is especially
encouraging since it helps to keep the estrogen level of
bodybuilders low. The second highly interesting point is that
Cytadren prohibits the build up of adrenocortical hormones. It
obviates the production of endogenous cortisone like no other
compound by inhibiting the conversion of cholesterol into cortisone.
For this reason, Cytadren, in school medicine, is used for the
treatment of Cushings syndrome, a hyperfunction of the adrenal
glands which causes the body to overproduce cortisone. Consequently,
it reduces the cortisone level, which has several advantages for the
athlete. Cortisone is a catabolic hormone and catabolic is the exact
opposite of anabolic. Cortisone prevents the protein synthesis in
the muscle cell, resulting in a muscular atrophy by breaking down
amino acids in the muscle cell.
The human body constantly releases cortisone and reacts to stress
situations such as intense training by increasing its cortisone
release. Natural bodybuilders, therefore, after a short time,
experience a stagnation in their development since the release of
the body cortisone is higher than the anabolic effect of working
out. The more advanced the athlete and the harder his workout, the
more his cortisone level will increase.
If the release of cortisone can be successfully obviated or at least
considerably reduced the ratio of anabolic hormones to catabolic
hormones in the body shifts in favor of the former. This results in
an increase in muscle mass and body strength. And Cytadren achieves
exactly these results; however, there is one problem. Cytadren
reduces the cortisone level so effectively that the body tries to
balance this by hypophysially producing more ACTH (adenocorticotropic
hormone), thus stimulating the secretion of cortisone by the adrenal
glands. Thus in school medicine, when treating Gushings syndrome, a
low dose of oral hydrocortisone is used to prevent the hypophysis
from producing ACTH. The dose is so low that the cortisone level in
the blood does not rise substantially. And this is exactly the
problem. Cytadren reduces the cortisone level which the body
balances by producing ACTH, thus neutralizing the effect of Cytadren.
If exogenous hydrocortisone is taken no ACTH is produced; however,
this also reduces the effect of Cytadren. It is therefore necessary
to find an administration schedule that prevents or delays the bodys
own production of ACTH. Since the body does not show abrupt
reactions when the cortisone level is lowered by the intake of
Cytadren, the compound must be taken over several days before the
body begins reacting. If Cytadren is only taken for a period of two
days and then discontinued for two entire days, it seems logical
that the body will not have enough time to react accordingly, thus
interrupting the production of ACTH in the hypophysis. Similar to
Clenbuterol, analternating administration schedule with two days of
administration and two days of abstinence is created.
Another problem needs to be solved since Cytadren, as mentioned
earlier, inhibits the bodys own production ofandrogen. Cytadren,
therefore, should not be used by natural bodybuilders. The solution
to this problem is to take a long term effective testosterone such
as Testosterone enanthate simultaneously. Testoviron Depot 250, for
example, can be considered as one such possible compound.
As for the question of dosage, we have arrived at a very interesting
point. In school medicine the dosage for the treatment of Cushings
syndrome is between 2 and 7 tablets per day. Since not enough
athletes have used this compound so far, we do not have enough
experimental data. Due to the fact that the cortisone level of
athletes is not as high as in persons who suffer from a
hyperfunction of the adrenal glands, it is probable that lower
dosages are sufficient. From what we have heard so far. 2-4 tablets
of 250 mg each per day seems to be an appropriate dose. The tablets
are always taken individually, in regular intervals throughout the
day, and taken best during meals. It is important to begin the
intake by "sneaking in," which means that you begin by taking only
one tablet and then slowly and evenly increasing the dosage until
the respective maximum dosage is reached. How long should it be
taken? This question is difficult to answer but, considering that
the body can sometimes increase the production of ACTH, it is
advised that the compound is not used longer than 4-6 weeks. (We
must also consider potential side effects, which we will discuss in
a minute.) Another interesting aspect: Cytadren is (as of yet) not
on any doping list. We have heard from reliable informants that a
combination of Cytadren, growth hormones, and a low quantity of
injectable testosterone is the new hit among athletes of any field,
since it allows the athlete to pass any doping test.
Thus the side effects of Cytadren need to be looked at and they are,
unfortunately, numerous and /sometimes very severe. The most common
side effects are fatigue and dizziness. Lack of concentration,
restlessness, depression, apathy, and sleeping disorder are less
common but possible. Even rarer and mostly depending on the doses
are nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal pain, diarrhea, and
headaches. A possible rash and the already-mentioned fatigue and
dizziness are usually initial symptoms and these can be minimized by
taking slowly increasing dosages, or they may simply disappear. The
package insert of Ciba-Geigy GmbH Germany also states that in some
cases there is an inadequate thyroid function which requires
treatment. It is therefore recommended that the thyroid gland be
supervised by a physician during intake of Cytadren. Another problem
that can occur is liver disease. Cases of reduced counts of the
white blood cells, the blood platelets, and even of all blood cells
have been reported. Those who plan to try Cytadren should carefully
read the package insert. It has been our experience that athletes,
due to the reduced cortisone level, complain about joint pain and
are also exposed to a higher risk of getting injured. There is no
question that Cytadren is effective when taken according to the
two-day alternating administration schedule; however, the athlete
should carefully consider the cost/benefit factor prior to taking
the compound.
