posted February 07, 2000 05:14 PM            

Cytomel:
Cytomel is not an anabolic/androgenic ******* 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-trilodine~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, Hoechst AG, 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-trilodine-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 *******s, the *******s 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. Those who take high dosages of Cytomel over a long
period of time are at risk of developing a chronic thyroid insufficiency. As a consequence, the
athlete might be forced to take thyroid medication for the rest of his life. It is also important that
the dosage is reduced slowly and evenly by taking fewer tablets and not be ended abruptly. Those
who plan to take Cytomel should first consult a physician in order to be sure that no thyroid hyper
function exists.

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
hyperfunction): 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 *******s. For the most part, since Cytomel also metabolizes protein, the
athlete must eat a diet rich in protein.

L-T3 can usually be found quite easily. 100 tablets of 0.05 mg each cost approx. $50. The product by
Schein Company, according to the dealer catalog, with the same substance concentration and
quantity of tablets, costs $30. It is unlikely that there will be fakes.

Cytomel: