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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, 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-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 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. 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 hyperf unction):
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.
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