Liothyronine – Cytomel
Thyroid hormones, crucial to our metabolism, are either naturally produced or synthetically created. The primary hormones include T4, or levothyroxine, and T3, known as liothyronine. These hormones are synthesized and stored in the thyroid gland.
Pharmaceutical thyroid hormones are sourced in two ways: from animal thyroid glands (bovine or ovine) or through synthetic means. In the USA, the iodine content in thyroid preparations is strictly regulated.
Cytomel (liothyronine sodium) is available as a tablet or as the salt of a natural thyroid hormone. Notably, T3 is significantly more potent than T4.
Pharmacology
The exact mechanisms of thyroid hormones are not fully understood; however, they promote various biochemical changes in the cells that provide energy. These hormones increase the utilization of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, while enhancing oxygen consumption. Typically, individuals using thyroid hormone experience a heightened basal metabolic rate, impacting nearly every organ, including the brain. The significance of thyroid hormones becomes most evident in patients with deficiency.
Dosage
Thyroid hormones are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, with a rapid onset of action within hours. Peak hormone activity may take several days, but the effects can persist for days post-administration due to binding with albumin, which protects it from liver degradation.
- Replacement therapy in hypothyroid patients
- Post-surgical thyroidectomy recovery
- Management of goiters and thyroid nodules
- Diagnostic agents in suppression tests to differentiate suspected hyperthyroidism
- Alternative for patients allergic to porcine or bovine thyroid sources, Cytomel tablets provide a safe option
Bodybuilders and Weight Loss
For years, athletes have misused thyroid hormones for weight loss, capitalizing on their fat and carbohydrate combustion properties to enhance performance. Cytomel is widely used across various sports disciplines. Typically, thyroid hormone is taken for 4-6 weeks, ceasing a week before an event. Many athletes report significant weight loss and increased energy after short-term use.
Nonetheless, this practice is complex, as many athletes combine it with numerous other supplements and hormones. Online sellers suggest beginners start with 25 µg/day, gradually increasing by 5-10 µg/day, capping at around 100 µg/day to avoid side effects. Anecdotal evidence suggests a 6-12 week timeframe for weight loss. It’s crucial for users to understand that ceasing the drug may lead to temporary thyroid insufficiency due to gland suppression, necessitating a gradual tapering off.
Consultation with a physician is highly advised for those considering thyroid hormone usage for off-label purposes like weight loss.
Signs and Symptoms
Excess thyroid hormone may produce several side effects, including:
- Headache
- Mood swings (irritability, nervousness, anxiety)
- Sweating
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Diarrhea
- Menstrual irregularities
- Worsening of heart failure
- Shock
Severe overdosage may lead to symptoms akin to a thyroid storm, while chronic high dosages can trigger hyperthyroidism.
Contraindications
Thyroid hormone is typically contraindicated for individuals with untreated adrenal cortical insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, or hypersensitivity to liothyronine or its components. Allergic reactions to liothyronine are exceedingly rare.
Medical Caution
While individuals often turn to thyroid hormone for weight loss, combining it with other agents can be hazardous. Therapeutic doses typically yield minimal weight loss effects; larger doses are necessary but may pose serious risks, especially when taken with other weight loss aids.
Specific medical conditions necessitate caution when utilizing thyroid hormone. It may exacerbate adrenal insufficiency and both diabetes mellitus and insipidus. Additionally, thyroid hormone increases sensitivity to oral anticoagulants, raising bleeding risks.
No scientific evidence supports the efficacy of thyroid hormone in treating infertility. Individuals with cardiac conditions should seek medical advice prior to therapy, and always start with the lowest effective dose.
Monitoring Levels
Thyroid hormone levels can be easily monitored. Major sporting organizations, including the IOC and WADA, routinely test athletes for the presence of these hormones, employing sensitive radioimmunoassays to detect minute quantities in urine.
Drug Interactions
Liothyronine may interact with various medications, including:
- Oral anticoagulants
- Insulin and oral hypoglycemics
- Cholestyramine
- Estrogens and oral contraceptives
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Digitalis
Physicians must ensure that thyroid hormone dosages remain in safe margins, with regular follow-up care for all patients.
Overdosage Treatment
If thyroid hormone overdosage occurs, immediate hospital admission is necessary. The hormone should be temporarily discontinued, with careful monitoring. Most individuals with overdose require cessation for 4-8 weeks for the thyroid gland to recover. Supportive care is essential, as no specific antidotes exist. Inducing vomiting is contraindicated to prevent aspiration risks. In cases of coma, mechanical ventilation may be required. Often, fluid resuscitation, oxygen support, and careful observation suffice, though administration of beta-adrenergic blockers may be warranted to mitigate sympathetic responses.
Dosage Guidelines
Liothyronine is prescribed in tablet form, typically taken once daily. Dosage is contingent on the severity of hypothyroidism; therapy should commence at the lowest possible dose due to its rapid onset. A standard starting dosage for Cytomel (liothyronine sodium) is 5 µg/day, with increases of no more than 5 µg/day every 2-3 weeks. Rapid dosage escalation may exacerbate existing cardiac conditions. Generally, a dose ranging from 50-75 µg/day is adequate. Liothyronine is also available in intravenous form, which may be utilized for treating myxedema coma—a serious complication of hypothyroidism primarily affecting elderly females.
Liothyronine tablets are available in 5, 25, and 50 µg doses. Note that a doctor’s prescription is mandatory in the USA for liothyronine.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Just what the doctor ordered.
Nigar T. (verified owner) –
جودة ممتازة! هذا الـ UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) هو الأفضل الذي جربته على الإطلاق.
Kaia Q. (verified owner) –
UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) funktioniert sehr gut. Nur etwas teuer.
Suchada H (verified owner) –
بلا شك أفضل UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) في السوق. موصى به!
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Muito bom.
Luisa M. (verified owner) –
Ich hätte mir nichts Besseres wünschen können. UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) ist einfach perfekt.
Saeed B (verified owner) –
UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) a dépassé toutes mes attentes. Fantastique !
Anonymous (verified owner) –
UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) è esattamente quello che cercavo. Perfetto!
Saule F (verified owner) –
很好的产品，但发货时间比预期长。
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Best cycle support ever.
Huda M. (verified owner) –
Enttäuschende Ergebnisse. Würde ich nicht empfehlen.
Naomi M. (verified owner) –
Bon produit. Pourrait être un peu plus fort.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Just okay. Probably won’t reorder.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
This UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) is simply the best.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
不会再次购买。
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Industry-leading quality.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Ausgezeichnete Qualität. UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) ist ein überlegenes Produkt.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Ce UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) est incroyable ! Fortement recommandé.
Bancha N. (verified owner) –
Just what the doctor ordered.
Shota L (verified owner) –
عمل جيداً معي، لكن صديقي حصل على نتائج أفضل مع علامة تجارية أخرى.
Dalia E. (verified owner) –
Produto sólido. Faz o que deve fazer.
Monika S. (verified owner) –
Хороший продукт. Работает достаточно хорошо.
David J (verified owner) –
Notevole differenza dopo aver usato UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab). Fantastico!
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Life-changing results with UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab). Couldn’t be happier.
Vladimir U. (verified owner) –
The real deal without question.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Fragwürdige Qualität. Sehr schwach.
Guilan A. (verified owner) –
В целом очень доволен. Закажу снова.
Jelani N. (verified owner) –
UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) superou todas as minhas expectativas. Ótimo!
Sándor X. (verified owner) –
Mehr oder weniger was ich erwartet habe. Gutes Produkt.
Elizabeth V (verified owner) –
La calidad de UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) es inmediatamente evidente. ¡Excelente!
Mykhailo T. (verified owner) –
Исключительный во всех отношениях. UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) – фантастический продукт.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
جودة جيدة حقاً. أوصي به.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
أوصي به بشدة. UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) استثنائي.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Just received my second order. Quality is consistent and results are amazing. The packaging is discreet as promised.
Agnes S. (verified owner) –
Il UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) offre prestazioni eccezionali. Altamente raccomandato!
Gabriel B. (verified owner) –
الـ UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) يعمل جيداً جداً. فقط غالي الثمن قليلاً.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
This UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) is liquid gold.
Zola I. (verified owner) –
Bastante eficaz. Quase perfeito.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Good product overall
Saima E. (verified owner) –
يعمل كما هو معلن عنه. لا مفاجآت.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
The best I’ve ever tried.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Muy satisfecho en general. Volveré a pedir.
Slobodan K. (verified owner) –
Absolument recommandé. UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) est exceptionnel.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
أداء قوي من هذا الـ UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab).
Pua G (verified owner) –
جيد تقريباً مثل علامتي التجارية المعتادة.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Top shelf all the way.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Remarkable potency and purity.
Taras L (verified owner) –
Funcionó bien pero tuve algunos efectos secundarios menores.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Love this product!! Amazing results!
Sophie H. (verified owner) –
فعال منذ الاستخدام الأول. UNI-PHARMA T3 30 tabs (25 mcg/tab) مدهش.