Manufacturer: Euro-Pharmacies, Europe
Pharmaceutical name: Liothyronine Sodium
Pack: 1 pack (50 tabs (50 mcg/tab))
T3 is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid; it is a thyroid hormone. This substance contains synthetically produced liothyronine sodium, which is similar to the natural thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (L-T3). In healthy individuals, the thyroid typically generates two hormones: the more commonly known L-thyroxine (L-T4) and the listed L-triiodothyronine (L-T3).
T3 is the synthetic counterpart of the latter hormone, inducing the same effects in the body as increased production of the hormone by the thyroid would. Notably, L-T3 is significantly stronger and more potent than these two hormones. Consequently, T3 is more efficient than available L-T4 products like L-thyroxine or Synthroid. L-T3 has been shown to be 4-5 times more biologically active and acts faster than L-thyroxine (L-T4).
In conventional medicine, T3 is utilized to manage thyroid deficiency (hypothyroidism). This condition can lead to secondary symptoms like obesity, metabolic disorders, and fatigue. Bodybuilders leverage these properties to enhance their metabolism through T3, leading to faster metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Bodybuilders, in particular, focus on increased lipolysis, or fat burning. Competitive bodybuilders often use T3 (Cytomel) in the weeks leading up to contests to help maintain a very low body fat percentage without resorting to severe caloric restriction. Athletes taking low doses of Cytomel report that, when combined with steroids, the steroids become more effective due to quicker protein metabolism.
Many bodybuilders featured in "muscle magazines," who exhibit a hard and defined appearance, often consume fast food while compensating by taking T3. The overactive thyroid can burn calories at an accelerated rate. Currently, Clenbuterol is increasingly popular among athletes as an alternative to T3. Those who use both of these substances together can achieve significant fat loss. T3 is also favored among female bodybuilders. Given that women generally have slower metabolisms than men, they often struggle to meet current competitive standards. Taking T3 can help avert drastic caloric cuts below the 1000 calorie/day threshold. Although women may be more susceptible to side effects than men, they usually tolerate 50 mcg/day well. A short-term regimen of T3 at a reasonable dosage can be more beneficial for health than an extreme calorie restriction.
Caution is essential regarding the dosage since T3 is a potent and highly effective thyroid hormone. It is crucial to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over several days. Most athletes begin with one 25-mcg tablet per day, increasing the dosage by one tablet every three to four days. A daily dose exceeding 100-mcg is neither necessary nor advisable. Rather than taking the entire daily dose at once, it is better to divide it into three smaller doses for enhanced efficacy. Furthermore, T3 should not be used for more than six weeks, followed by at least two months without the drug. Those taking high doses of T3 over an extended period may develop chronic thyroid insufficiency, forcing them to rely on thyroid medication indefinitely. It is also vital to taper the dosage gradually by reducing the number of tablets rather than stopping abruptly. Individuals considering T3 should consult a healthcare professional to rule out any existing thyroid hyperfunction.
Potential side effects include: palpitations, tremors, irregular heartbeat, chest pressure, anxiety, difficulty breathing, sugar presence in urine, excessive sweating, diarrhea, weight loss, psychological issues, and signs of hypersensitivity. In our experience, the most common symptoms include hand tremors, nausea, headaches, heavy sweating, and increased heart rate.
These adverse effects can often be alleviated by temporarily lowering the daily dosage. Users of T3 over several weeks may notice a reduction in muscle mass, but this can be prevented or delayed with concurrent steroid use. Moreover, since T3 (Cytomel) also breaks down protein, the athlete should maintain a high-protein diet.