Cytomel (liothyronine sodium) for weight loss

Cytomel is a synthetic thyroidal hormone designed to increase the metabolic rate in the cells. On Cytomel, the cell's mitochondria will take in more nutrients and burn them quicker. Bodybuilders use this compound to burn off fat and give them a more chiseled look. Although reports of natural thyroidal hormones shutting down from taking synthetics are often exaggerated, it is recommended that users take some time off from them to allow the body to go back to natural production for at least three to four months a year.

Cytomel is the popularly recognized brand name for the drug liothyronine sodium. This is not an anabolic steroid but a thyroid hormone. It is used medically to treat cases of thyroid insufficiency, obesity, certain metabolic disorders and fatigue. Specifically this drug is a pharmaceutical preparation of the natural thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T-3). When administered, Cytomel increases the patient’s metabolism. The result is an increased rate of cellular activity (noted by a more rapid utilization of carbohydrates, fats and proteins). Bodybuilders are particularly attracted to this drug for its ability to burn off body excess fat.

Most often utilized during contest preparation, one can greatly decrease the amount of stored fat without being forced to severely restrict calories. To this end Cytomel is commonly used in conjunction with Clenbuterol and can produce extremely dramatic results. This combination has become very popular in recent years, no doubt responsible for many “ripped” on-stage physiques. It is also noted by many that when thyroid hormones are taken in conjunction with steroids, an increased anabolic effect can be seen (noticeably greater than if the steroids are used alone). This is likely due to faster utilization of proteins by the body, increasing the rate for new muscle accumulation.

Caution should be taken if one is considering using this drug. Cytomel comes with an extensive list of warnings and precautions which are not to be ignored. Side effects include, but are not limited to, heart palpitations, agitation, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, headaches, and psychic/metabolic disorders. It is a powerful hormone, and one that could potentially alter the normal functioning of the body if misused.

When taking Cytomel, one must remember to increase the dosage slowly. Generally one 25mcg tablet is taken on the first day, and the dosage is thereafter increased by one tablet every three of four days for a maximum dosage of 100mcg. This will help the body adjust to the increased thyroid hormone, hopefully avoiding any sudden “shock” to the system. The daily dose should also be split evenly throughout the day, in an effort to keep blood levels steadier. Women are more sensitive to the side effects of Cytomel than men, and usually choose not to take no more than 50mcg daily.

It is important to stress that a cycle should last no longer than 6 weeks and it should never be halted abruptly. As slowly as the dosage was built up it should also be lowered, one tablet every 3-4 days. Taking Cytomel for too long and/or at too high a dosage can result in a permanent thyroid deficiency. After doing such, one might need to be treated with a drug like Cytomel for life. It is also a good idea to first consult your physician and have your thyroid function tested. An undiagnosed hyperfunction would not mix well with the added hormone. An athlete should also be sure never to purchase an injectable form of the drug. It is generally an emergency room product, much too powerful for athletic use.

Since T-3 is the most powerful thyroid hormone athletes are using, this is generally not the starting point for a beginner. Before using such a powerful item, it is a good idea to become familiar with a weaker substance. The highly popular Triacana is very mild, allowing the user much more latitude (from severe side effects) than Cytomel. An in-between point is Synthroid (synthetic T-4), still weaker in action than Cytomel. Once the user is ready however, the fat burning effect of this hormone can be extremely dramatic. 

Cycling Steroids for Beginners

There is a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to cycling oral steroids. One of the biggest challenges is to properly combine steroids from different chemical structures, to make up a perfect cycle. That’s not always easy or even possible for new users. I find that 9 out of 10 newbies are completely lost when it comes to steroid cycles or even general steroid use. So let’s go over some simple facts.

Fact 1: If you run an oral cycle don’t stack more than 2 compounds together, you’ll need to be careful with your liver and kidneys suffering side effects. Side effects can be serious or mild, it depends how you approach your cycle.

Fact 2: Oral steroids are either 17aa or methylated to pass the liver and enter the bloodstream, which makes them liver toxic.

Fact 3: DHT related steroids, except anadrol, are usually best for cutting. Think: Stanozolol, Oxandrolone, and Primobolan. If stacked together, they produce the best results.

Let’s put together a 6 week winstrol and anavar cycle. This is a perfect cutting stack for beginners and it doesn’t yield a lot of side effects. Both of the orals have short a half-life, allowing for minimal problems and maximum results.

This is a simple cycle but very effective, you can expect a good about of bodyfat loss and muscle gain. Though, I suggest adding Clenbuterol to the mix if you really want to lean out. Use it 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off at 40-60mcg/day. Don’t go over 80mcg/day with Clenbuterol.

Do you need post cycle therapy (PCT)?

With this cycle, I suggest you just take a week off and run another cycle instead of doing PCT, what’s the point? It’s only a 6 week cycle. You should run cycles back to back for better results.

What kind of diet do you need during a cutting cycle?

Just like with all bodybuilding diets, protein is key. Your diet will need to be at least 50% protein, from high quality protein sources like steak, fish, eggs and quality supplemental protein powders: whey, caseinate, egg. Don’t eat junk or fast food.