Cytomel (Liothyronine Sodium)
Cytomel is the well-known brand name for the synthetic thyroid hormone Liothyronine Sodium. It perfectly mimics the naturally produced thyroid hormone triiodothyronine, also known as the T3 hormone. Since the 1950s, synthetic Cytomel has been available, but thyroid hormones, including T3, have been medicinally used since the 1890s. Early treatment plans involved pure animal extracts containing T3 and T4 hormones.
These extracted hormones proved useful in treating hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and skin changes. The introduction of Cytomel, a synthetic version of the T3 hormone, has provided a safer and more sanitary alternative for such treatments.
Cytomel isn’t the sole synthetic thyroid hormone option
Cytomel isn’t the sole synthetic thyroid hormone option. Levothyroxine Sodium, known by the trade name Synthroid, is another widely available option. Both T3 and T4 are similar, but T3 is considered 4-5 times more potent than T4. Essentially, T4 serves as a reserve for T3, making the Cytomel version more potent. While both effectively treat hypothyroidism, Cytomel is favored by performance enhancement athletes. Anabolic steroid users often use Cytomel to reduce body fat.
What is Cytomel used for?
Cytomel, also known as T3, boosts the basal metabolic rate, affecting various cellular functions like carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Hypothyroidism, where the body doesn’t produce enough of this hormone, disrupts metabolism, leading to weight gain, low energy, and sometimes hair loss. Supplementing with Cytomel provides the needed thyroid hormone, resolving the issue.
A low dose of Cytomel is typically sufficient for treating hypothyroidism, restoring proper metabolism. However, some athletes use it alongside calorie restriction to accelerate fat loss, though it’s not recommended without anabolic steroids due to potential side effects. While potent for fat loss, Cytomel can cause lethargy as it relies on raw ATP, potentially leading to lean tissue loss. Using an anabolic protectant alongside Cytomel is advisable to mitigate these effects.
How Cytomel works
Cytomel works similarly whether used to treat hypothyroidism or for fat loss in performance settings. It functions as a direct replica of the T3 hormone, promoting fat loss in both cases. Those with hypothyroidism benefit from a more functional metabolism, aiding in fat loss. Performance-oriented individuals experience accelerated fat loss.
Regardless of the reason for using Cytomel, a proper diet is essential for fat loss. Without a caloric deficit, Cytomel won’t have much effect. However, in performance settings, individuals with sufficient T3 levels may maintain higher calorie intake while still losing weight due to enhanced calorie burning from Cytomel.
Some find Cytomel useful alongside high doses of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which can reduce natural T3 production. While not necessary, combining Cytomel and HGH accelerates fat loss significantly due to HGH’s metabolic enhancement properties. Adding a beta-2 stimulant like Clenbuterol further enhances fat burning.
There’s speculation about Cytomel’s anabolic properties, potentially enhancing the effects of anabolic steroids by promoting the metabolism of nutrients. While some athletes believe in this theory, it lacks solid evidence, and Cytomel should mainly be used for its intended purposes.
Side Effects of Cytomel
Cytomel is generally well-tolerated by most healthy adults, except those with hypothyroidism. Side effects are often linked to high doses, but individual differences play a role. Common side effects include headache, sweating, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, increased bowel motility, and menstrual irregularities. Extremely high doses can lead to complications such as angina, shock, congestive heart failure, and hyperthyroidism. While generally safe, abuse, especially with high doses over the long term, can be life-threatening.
Concerns about Cytomel’s potential to promote hypothyroidism are common. However, with proper use, dependency is unlikely. Proper use involves not only dosing and duration but also gradual discontinuation. For hypothyroidism treatment, doses typically start at 25mcg per day, gradually increasing until a maintenance level is found. In performance settings, doses are similar, starting at 25mcg per day and increasing every 2-4 weeks as needed.
Most don’t exceed 75-100mcg per day, and total use should generally not exceed 6-8 weeks to minimize the risk of dependency. When discontinuing, gradually tapering down to 25mcg per day for 7-10 days is recommended to prevent hypothyroidism. Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided at all costs.
How to find Cytomel
Cytomel is widely available globally, both in pharmaceutical markets and on the black market. It’s also commonly found in research chemical labs (RCLs). Despite its potency and effectiveness, it’s not as prevalent in the US pharmaceutical market as Synthroid (T4). T3 hormone is available in tablet and injectable forms, but injections are risky and should only be used in emergencies due to potential severe damage. RCLs typically offer Liothyronine Sodium in liquid form, legally accessible for research purposes without a prescription. Counterfeiting of Cytomel is rare, and it’s usually affordable, whether purchased as a true tablet, generic, or from the black market or RCLs.
Dosing General Guide
To determine the appropriate dose of CYTOMEL for hypothyroidism or pituitary TSH suppression, various factors such as age, weight, cardiovascular health, other medical conditions, medications, diet, and the specific condition being treated must be considered. Dosing should be personalized based on these factors and adjusted over time according to the patient’s response and lab tests. CYTOMEL tablets should be taken orally once a day.
Dosing for Hypothyroidism
Start with a dose of 25 mcg of CYTOMEL orally once daily and increase by 25 mcg every 1 or 2 weeks if necessary. The usual maintenance dose ranges from 25 mcg to 75 mcg once daily.
For elderly or patients with heart conditions, begin with 5 mcg of CYTOMEL once daily and increase by 5 mcg at recommended intervals.
In patients with secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism, use serum T3 levels to monitor therapy effectiveness instead of serum TSH levels.
For pediatric patients, start with 5 mcg once daily and increase by 5 mcg every 3 to 4 days until the desired response is achieved. Newborns may require lower starting doses, while older children may need adult dosages.
Consider lower starting doses for newborns at risk of heart failure and adjust based on response. To reduce the risk of hyperactivity, start pediatric patients at one-fourth the recommended dose and increase gradually.
During pregnancy, monitor serum TSH and free-T4 levels regularly, adjusting thyroid hormone dosage to maintain levels within trimester-specific reference ranges. After delivery, reduce dosage to pre-pregnancy levels and monitor serum TSH levels.
Things to be aware of when buying Cytomel
Buying Cytomel online is the easiest way to get the T3 hormone. Most anabolic steroid suppliers and online pharmacies carry it. However, quality research chemical labs (RCLs) can be hard to find amid many poor-quality ones. Some issues include under-dosing and unstable products, which may render them useless quickly. It’s crucial to research the RCL before purchasing.
In the United States, buying Cytomel online without a prescription is illegal. While RCL purchases are legal for research, you must be prepared to defend this claim if law enforcement questions it.
Due to complex laws surrounding Cytomel, it’s advisable to buy from reputable sources like the sponsors at Steroid.com. They offer high-quality anabolics and fat loss supplements legally and without legal repercussions.
Conclusion
In treating hypothyroidism, Cytomel is the most effective method, although less common in the U.S. Unlike T4, which relies on conversion to T3, Cytomel addresses the issue directly from the start, offering quicker results. Similarly, for fat loss, T4 is useful but not as potent as T3.
For performance athletes, who make up most Cytomel users, there’s often unwarranted fear surrounding its use, fueled by internet myths. While misuse can induce hypothyroidism, it’s highly unlikely with proper usage. Despite common fears, there’s little data supporting them. In fact, Cytomel can be used safely for extended periods, with many using it for most of the year without harm, as long as they allow their body time to recover between cycles. Nonetheless, Cytomel remains one of the most potent fat loss tools available.