Manufacturer: Beligas
Pharmaceutical name: Liothyronine Sodium
Pack: 1 pack (50 tabs (50 mcg/tab))
Cytomel-T3 is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid; it is a thyroid hormone. Its active ingredient is synthetically produced liothyronine sodium, which is similar to the natural thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (L-T3). In a healthy individual, the thyroid typically generates two hormones: the more commonly recognized L-thyroxine (L-T4) and the previously mentioned L-triiodothyronine (L-T3).
Cytomel-T3 serves as the synthetic counterpart of L-T3 and stimulates the same functions in the body as if the thyroid were generating larger amounts of the hormone. Interestingly, L-T3 is notably the more potent and effective of the two hormones. Consequently, Cytomel-T3 is generally more efficient than available L-T4 products, including L-thyroxine or Synthroid. L-T3 has been shown to be 4-5 times more biologically active and acts more rapidly than L-thyroxine (L-T4).
In conventional medicine, Cytomel-T3 is utilized to treat thyroid insufficiency (hypothyroidism). Symptoms can include obesity, metabolic issues, and fatigue. Bodybuilders take advantage of these effects to enhance their metabolism through Cytomel-T3, leading to quicker breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Increased lipolysis, or fat burning, is particularly appealing to bodybuilders. Competitive athletes, especially, use T3 (Cytomel) in the weeks leading up to a competition, as it assists in maintaining a very low body fat percentage without requiring a restrictive diet. Athletes on low dosages of Cytomel have reported that using steroids concurrently increases the effectiveness of the steroids, likely due to the accelerated protein metabolism.
Many bodybuilders featured in "muscle magazines" who exhibit a well-defined physique may consume fast food but offset this by taking Cytomel-T3. The overactive thyroid can burn calories rapidly. Nowadays, a growing number of athletes opt for Clenbuterol instead of Cytomel-T3. Those who combine these substances can achieve significant fat loss. Cytomel-T3 is also favored among female bodybuilders. Since women typically have slower metabolisms than men, achieving competitive form can be challenging. Taking Cytomel-T3 often helps avoid drastic cuts in food and calorie intake below 1000 calories per day. Women tend to be more susceptible to side effects than men but generally tolerate a daily dose of 50 mcg well. Short-term use of Cytomel-T3 in reasonable amounts is regarded as "healthier" than an extreme caloric restriction.
When it comes to dosage, caution is crucial since Cytomel-T3 is a potent thyroid hormone. It is essential to start with a low dose, gradually increasing it over several days. Most athletes begin with a single 25-mcg tablet per day and raise this dosage by one tablet every three to four days. Doses exceeding 100 mcg/day are unnecessary and not recommended. Distribution of the daily dose into three smaller servings is advisable for better effectiveness, rather than taking it all at once. Additionally, it's important not to use Cytomel-T3 for more than six weeks and to allow at least two months for a break afterward. Prolonged high dosages can lead to chronic thyroid insufficiency, resulting in the need for ongoing thyroid medication. It is likewise vital to taper off the dosage gradually, taking fewer tablets, rather than stopping abruptly. Anyone considering Cytomel-T3 should consult with a physician to ensure there is no existing thyroid hyperfunction.
Potential side effects include heart palpitations, tremors, irregular heartbeat, heart discomfort, anxiety, shortness of breath, sugar loss in urine, excessive sweating, diarrhea, weight loss, psychological issues, and hypersensitivity reactions. Common experiences include hand tremors, nausea, headaches, profuse sweating, and an increased heart rate.
These negative effects can often be alleviated by temporarily lowering the daily dose. Users of T3 (Cytomel) over several weeks may face muscle mass loss, which can be mitigated or postponed by concurrently taking steroids. Since T3 (Cytomel) also affects protein metabolism, it is crucial for athletes to follow a protein-rich diet.