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-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 L-T4 compounds such as L-thyroxine
or Synthroid. The manufacturer of the German L-T3 compound,
HoechstAG, describes the following characteristics to its Thybon
drug, making it clear that L-T3 is superior to L-T4: "The
synthetically manufactured thyroid hormone, L-triiodine-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 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
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 todays 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. It is
also important that the dosage is reduced slowly and evenly by
taking fewer tablets and not be ended abruptly.
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 hyper function):
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.
