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Cytomel
Cytomel 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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