Cytomel is a synthetic T3 hormone

Cytomel is a synthetic T3 hormone. As you may already know, most natural T3 is not produced directly by your thyroid gland, but rather is converted from the T4 thyroid hormone. (8)
Cytomel T3 Weight Loss
Natural T3 is a regulator of the oxidative metabolism of energy producing substrates (food or stored substrates like fat, muscle, and glycogen) by the mitochondria. The mitochondria, as you will recall from your high school biology class, are usually referred to as the “cell´s powerhouses” because they produce ATP. Taking Cytomel (supplemental T3) greatly increases the uptake of nutrients into the mitochondria and also their oxidation rate (i.e. the rate at which they are burned for energy), by increasing the activities of the enzymes involved in the oxidative metabolic pathway. Everything is working harder, in other words, and more fuel is needed to supplement this increased work rate. Therefore, as you can guess, taking supplemental Cytomel will increase your body´s energy demands. And if you are in a hypocaloric state, you will begin burning even fatter primarily due to an increase in ATP. This increased ATP causes an increase in overall metabolic activity. (8)(9)This is exactly what we want, and is why we would be taking thyroid hormones like Cytomel in the first place. If you aren´t taking anabolic steroids with your Cytomel, however, your body may start to eat away muscle to provide energy for you to function. Remember mitochondria/ATP aren´t very picky, but they are very efficient. What I mean by this is that they will use whatever is on hand to generate energy for your body to continue functioning, fat, protein, glucose; it doesn´t matter to ATP, as long as there´s something to give them energy. Taking this drug will increase their need to find something to burn to create this energy. Ergo, if we aren´t taking anabolic steroids while taking our T3, we may lose too much muscle, especially while dieting.
Thus we can see that there are many advantages to using Cytomel to optimize our metabolic rate. It will also increase your body´s ability to synthesize protein, but from what I´ve seen personally, it acts as a catabolic when it isn´t administered with anabolic steroids. It is often the last thing added into a precontest diet, as it has a reputation for getting rid of the last few percentages of bodyfat& the “sticky fat” as it´s called in bodybuilding, the fat that just doesn´t want to leave you in the last few weeks of dieting. I think this is a poor use for this drug, and that it should be the first thing added into a diet to lose fat, as it will optimize your metabolic rate, which should be done at the outset of a diet, not after the calorie restriction has diminished your thyroid output and you are adding it in simply to replace what was lost.
Cytomel Side Effects
Unfortunately, in all of the studies I´ve seen, T3 also increased growth hormone production. (5)(6) As we all know, GH is also a strongly lipolytic compound, and this is another mechanism by which T3 may exert its effects, although I suspect this would only be a small percentage of its overall effects. This being the case, it has always been somewhat problematic to me to note that when GH and T3 are used together, the increased nitrogen retention normally found with GH use is negated. (7). If you were only using T3 and GH this may be a problem, but as I´ve already stated, you are going to need some anabolic agents if you are using T3. And as you have read previously, I recommend the veritable anabolic/lipolytic orgy of Insulin, T3, Anabolic Steroids, GH, and insulin, for 100% maximum results in minimal time.
On the brighter side, and of special note to dieters, administration of T3 has been shown to upregulate the beta 2 receptors in fat tissue. As you know clenbuterol and similar compounds downregulate this receptor, so using T3 with your clen will help stave off or reverse this downregulation. (1)(2)(3)(4). I would still recommend taking your benadryl every third week, though.
Going off cytomel
Finally, I would like to address the issue of recovery of your natural thyroid function after you stop taking cytomel. The horror stories of people on permanent thyroid replacement just aren´t true. I remember a few years ago, the rumor was circulating that the current Ms.Fitness had permanently shut off her thyroid gland, and was now fat and on thyroid hormone permanently. This is just another horror story based in nothing but conjecture and rumor, the studies I´ve looked at have shown people recovering their thyroid hormone relatively quickly (within months, at most) after going off of several YEARS (!) of thyroid replacement therapy (10)(11). I speculate that you can optimize your metabolic rate with Cytomel for 9-10 months a year, and just normalize yourself for 2-3 months (perhaps the winter, when you are mostly covered up), and then go right back on. Some people in the studies I read were on T3 for 30 years and recovered their natural thyroid function within short order. I think we can safely spend an athletic career using Cytomel 9-10 months out of the year, and just taking those few months off to normalize ourselves. Is this aggressive? Yes. Is this unsafe? NO.
References:
1. Catecholamines inhibit Ca(2+)-dependent proteolysis in rat skeletal muscle through beta(2)-adrenoceptors and cAMP. Navegantes LC, Resano NM, Migliorini RH, Kettelhut IC Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2001 Sep;281(3):E449-54
2. Regulation of human adipocyte gene expression by thyroid hormone J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2002 Feb;87(2):630-4 Viguerie N, Millet L, Avizou S, Vidal H, Larrouy D, Langin D.
3. Alpha 2- and beta-adrenergic receptor binding and action in gluteal adipocytes from patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism Metabolism 1987 Nov;36(11):1031-9 Richelsen B, Sorensen NS
4. Regulation of beta 1- and beta 3-adrenergic agonist-stimulated lipolytic response in hyperthyroid and hypothyroid rat white adipocytes Br J Pharmacol 2000 Feb;129(3):448-56. Germack R, Starzec A, Perret GY
5. Role of thyroid hormone in the control of growth hormone gene expression Braz J Med Biol Res 1994 May;27(5):1269-72. Volpato CB, Nunes MT.
6. Low-dose T(3) improves the bed rest model of simulated weightlessness in men and women. Am J Physiol 1999 Aug;277(2 Pt 1):E370-9 Lovejoy JC, Smith SR, Zachwieja JJ, Bray GA, Windhauser MM, Wickersham PJ, Veldhuis JD, Tulley R, de la Bretonne JA.
7. Effects of long-term growth hormone (GH) and triiodothyronine (T3) administration on functional hepatic nitrogen clearance in normal man. Wolthers T, Grofte T, Moller N, Vilstrup H, Jorgensen. J Hepatol 1996 Mar;24(3):313-9
8. Human Anatomy and Physiology, 6th Edition. John w. Hole jr.
9. Physicians Desk Reference
10. Recovery of pituitary thyrotropic function after withdrawal of prolonged thyroid-suppression therapy. N Engl J Med 1975 Oct 2;293(14):681-4 Vagenakis AG, Braverman LE, Azizi F, Portinay GI, Ingbar SH.
11. Patterns off recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in patients taken of chronic thyroid therapy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1975 Jul;41(1):70-80 Krugman LG, Hershman JM, Chopra IJ, Levine GA, Pekary E, Geffner DL, Chua Teco GN

What do people use for PCT after extended T3 usage?

More info I found.....


Being that T3 is a fat burning agent, Cytomel cycles are very straightforward and relatively simple. As previously mentioned, the practice of slowly titrating T3 doses upwards (ramping up the dose) is really only necessary when attempting to utilize T3 for the very first time so as to assess tolerance to the compound, side effects, possible muscle loss, and body heat output increases as a result of the increased metabolic rate. By the same admission, it is unnecessary at any point to slowly titrate T3 doses downwards (ramping down the dose) after a T3 cycle. Following the conclusion of a Cytomel cycle, it is best to immediately halt all administration of the drug. This is because the thyroid gland is a component of the endocrine system, it is a proper endocrine gland, and should be treated as such. If doses of thyroid hormone are still being administered even though they are being slowly titrated downwards, the thyroid gland will have no reason to resume healthy operation so long as it detects exogenous thyroid hormone being administered. It is therefore best to completely eliminate administration all at once at the conclusion of a Cytomel cycle, and this way the drug will clear quickly from the body, which will result in a faster restoration of thyroid gland function.


Other fat burning agents are included into Cytomel cycles, such as beta-agonsists (such as Clenbuterol and Albuterol), Ephedrine, Human Growth Hormone (HGH), as well as even other thyroid hormones (such as T4). The use of anabolic steroids as an addition to a Cytomel cycle is very common among the athletic and bodybuilding world, as T3 can and does cause the loss of muscle through its immense metabolic boosting effects as previously described in this profile. T3 cycles often include anabolic steroids only when T3 doses rise above a certain range (typically above 50mcg for most individuals). After this point, muscle loss and catabolism can become an issue for the athlete or bodybuilder, at which point the inclusion of anabolic steroids might be necessary to prevent the loss of muscle, which can be very detrimental for an athlete or bodybuilder.


There are also certain other compounds that should not be included within a T3 cycle, for they will reduce the effectiveness of T3. One such compound is L-Carnitine, a common amino acid supplement found in many supplement stores throughout the world. The use of L-Carnitine assists in the transport of free fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells, and increases fat loss through this pathway. An unknown effect of its use is the fact that it disables a vital function of T3 at the cellular level. L-Carnitine has been found to be a peripheral antagonist on the action of thyroid hormone. L-Carnitine inhibits the entry of T3 (as well as Thyroxine, T4) into the cell nucleus. One particular clinical study demonstrated that an L-Carnitine dose of 2 – 4g administered orally ended up reversing hyperthyroid symptoms even in the most serious cases of hyperthyroidism: thyroid storm[1]. The study suggests that since hyperthyroidism impoverishes the tissue deposits of carnitine, this provides a rationale for the use of L-Carnitine in the treatment of hyperthyroidism (or in the event that an individual ingests too much T3). It is therefore advised that any individual who wishes to engage in Cytomel cycles completely avoids the use of L-Carnitine.


Additionally, T3 requires proper levels of the hormone Cortisol in the body in order to effectively perform its job. Many individuals have been known to engage in a Cytomel cycle, only to discover that it is not providing any significant fat loss effects, nor any increase in body heat. It is very important to understand that Cortisol works alongside T3 in order to initiate lipolysis (fat breakdown) in the body. Cortisol is what drives T3 into the cells so that T3 can initiate an increase in energy production and consumption. Often times, the reduced effectiveness of T3 can be attributed to the use of a Cortisol blocker or Cortisol blocking supplement and/or the use of other drugs or hormones that suppress the production of Cortisol in the body. Some users who have been met with disappointment in regards to their T3 cycles have attempted the use of Hydrocortisone cream, or supplements that might increase Cortisol levels in the body (such as 5-HTP[2]), and have in turn experienced a drastic boost in metabolism, body heat production, and overall effectiveness of T3. One particularly important and prominent symptom of low or inadequate Cortisol levels during the use of T3 is extreme lethargy. Once again, the use of Hydrocortisone cream at 5 – 10g per day might possibly alleviate the problem.

yellow snow said:

What do people use for PCT after extended T3 usage?

Click to expand...

I dont have any personal experience with this....
I found some recommendations for pct on the net:


T•100[SUP]TM[/SUP] is a glandular support formulation for the thyroid.
60 Vegi-Caps

And.... coconut oil, L-tyrosine and ALA for pct.
Hopefully someone will chime in with some personal experiences.

Pushtoday said:

I dont have any personal experience with this....
I found some recommendations for pct on the net:


T•100[SUP]TM[/SUP] is a glandular support formulation for the thyroid.
60 Vegi-Caps

And.... coconut oil, L-tyrosine and ALA for pct.
Hopefully someone will chime in with some personal experiences.

Click to expand...

I live on coconut oil when I do keto diets. Any reason why coconut oil and ALA would be good to kick start thyroid?

yellow snow said:

I live on coconut oil when I do keto diets. Any reason why coconut oil and ALA would be good to kick start thyroid?

Click to expand...

Can Coconut Oil Help?


Unlike the polyunsaturated oils in many foods, coconut oil is high in (healthy) saturated fat, lauric acid, and medium chain fatty acids. It’s unique structure makes it a highly usable source of energy for the body and its particular fat balance is nourishing to the thyroid. As this article elaborates:


“50 percent of the fat content in coconut oil is a fat rarely found in nature called lauric acid. Your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties. Lauric acid is a powerful virus and gram-negative bacteria destroyer, and coconut oil contains the most lauric acid of any substance on earth!


Nigel Turner and Jiming Ye from Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research compared fat metabolism and insulin resistance in mice fed coconut oil and lard based diets.


“The medium chain fatty acids like those found in coconut oil are interesting to us because they behave very differently to the fats normally found in our diets,” said study leader Turner.


“Unlike the long chain fatty acids contained in animal fats, medium chain fatty acids are small enough to enter mitochondria – the cells’ energy burning powerhouses – directly where they can then be converted to energy.”


Coconut oil has a direct effect in suppressing inflammation and repairing tissue, and it may also contribute by inhibiting harmful intestinal microorganisms that cause chronic inflammation.


…


The medium-chain fatty acids and monoglycerides found in coconut oil are the same as those in human mother’s milk, and they have extraordinary anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. By disrupting the lipid structures of microbes, they inactivate them. Lauric acid, its metabolite monolaurin and other fatty acids in coconut oil are known to protect against infection from bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi and parasites. While not having any negative effect on beneficial gut bacteria, coconut oil inactivates undesirable microbes.


An excellent study that reviewed many previous studies on this topic was published in the Journal of Nutrition (Vol. 132, pages 329-332). This study was conducted by researchers at McGill University. They reported that several different studies have shown weight loss equivalent to 12 – 36 pounds a year simply by changing the types of oils used in everyday cooking and food preparation.


Most of the oils that we use to cook food and those used in commercially-prepared foods also have a negative affect on the thyroid. These are known as polyunsaturated or vegetable oils. They may in fact be the worst villains in the spread of thyroid diseases.


The thyroid, though small otherwise, is one of the largest glands in the endocrine system. Diseases of the endocrine system are mostly caused due to production disorders that lead to inadequacy or excess of hormones or inappropriate response to hormones by tissues.


Is coconut oil a thyroid cure? Not by itself. Can it help people with low thyroid function? Yes, because it stimulates metabolism and boosts energy. For this reason, coconut oil has been a blessing to many people who have been able to abandon their medications with the right combination of exercise, removal of processed foods, and a balanced diet.”

yellow snow said:

I live on coconut oil when I do keto diets. Any reason why coconut oil and ALA would be good to kick start thyroid?

Click to expand...

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[h=1]Alpha-lipoic acid[/h][h=2]Overview[/h]Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant made by the body. It is found in every cell, where it helps turn glucose into energy. Antioxidants attack "free radicals," waste products created when the body turns food into energy. Free radicals cause harmful chemical reactions that can damage cells, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. They also damage organs and tissues.
Other antioxidants work only in water (such as vitamin C) or fatty tissues (such as vitamin E). But alpha-lipoic acid is both fat and water soluble. That means it can work throughout the body. Antioxidants in the body are used up as they attack free radicals. But evidence suggests alpha-lipoic acid may help regenerate these other antioxidants and make them active again.
In the cells of the body, alpha-lipoic acid is changed into dihydrolipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid is not the same as alpha linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that may help heart health. There is confusion between alpha-lipoic acid and alpa linolenic acid because both are sometimes abbreviated ALA. Alpha-lipoic acid is also sometimes called lipoic acid.
Diabetes
Several studies suggest alpha-lipoic acid helps lower blood sugar levels. Its ability to kill free radicals may help people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, who have pain, burning, itching, tingling, and numbness in arms and legs from nerve damage. Researchers believe Alpha-lipoic acid helps improve insulin sensitivity.
Alpha-lipoic acid has been used for years to treat peripheral neuropathy in Germany. However, most of the studies that have found it helps have used intravenous (IV) alpha-lipoic acid. It's not clear whether taking alpha-lipoic acid by mouth will help. Most studies of oral alpha-lipoic acid have been small and poorly designed. One study did find that taking alpha-lipoic acid for diabetic neuropathy reduced symptoms compared to placebo.
Taking alpha-lipoic acid may help another diabetes-related condition called autonomic neuropathy, which affects the nerves to internal organs. One study of 73 people with cardiac autonomic neuropathy, which affects the heart, found that subjects reported fewer signs of the condition when taking 800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid orally compared to placebo.
Brain Function and Stroke
Because alpha-lipoic acid can pass easily into the brain, it may help protect the brain and nerve tissue. Researchers are investigating it as a potential treatment for stroke and other brain problems involving free radical damage, such as dementia. So far, there's no evidence to say whether or not it works.
Other
Preliminary studies suggest alpha-lipoic acid may help treat glaucoma. But there is not enough evidence to say for sure whether it works. In one study on aging skin, a cream with 5% lipoic acid helped reduce fine lines from sun damage. Studies show ALA binds with toxic metals, such as mercury, arsenic, iron, and other metals that act as free radicals. Preliminary studies also suggest that ALA may play a role in managing other conditions including erectile dysfunction and cancer.

[h=2]Dietary Sources[/h]If you are healthy, your body makes enough alpha-lipoic acid. It is also found in red meat, organ meats (such as liver), and yeast -- particularly brewer's yeast.

[h=2]Available Forms[/h]Alpha-lipoic acid supplements are available as capsules. Your health care provider can also give it by injection.

[h=2]How to Take It[/h]Pediatric
Alpha-lipoic acid has not been studied in children, so it is not recommended for pediatric use.
Adult
The best dose for neuropathy is 600 mg daily. Between 50 to 100 mg is sufficient for antioxidant purposes. You can buy it in doses of 30 to 100 mg tablets. Studies are mixed about whether or not to take ALA with meals.

• General antioxidant support: 20 to 50 mg per day
• Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy: 800 mg per day in divided doses

[h=2]Precautions[/h]Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a health care provider.
Alpha-lipoic acid hasn't been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so researchers don't know if it's safe.
Side effects are generally rare and may include insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea, and skin rash.
Alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes or low blood sugar should take alpha-lipoic acid only under the supervision of their health care provider.
Animal studies suggest that people who don't get enough thiamine (vitamin B1) should not take alpha-lipoic acid. B1 deficiency is associated with long-term alcohol abuse.

[h=2]Possible Interactions[/h]If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use alpha-lipoic acid without first talking to your health care provider.
Medications for diabetes -- Apha-lipoic acid can combine with these drugs to lower blood sugar levels, raising the risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Ask your health care provider before taking alpha-lipoic acid, and watch your blood sugar levels closely. Your health care provider may need to adjust your medication doses.
Chemotherapy medications -- Alpha-lipoic acid may interfere with some chemotherapy medications. Always ask your oncologist before taking any herb or supplement, including alpha-lipoic acid.
Thyroid medications, Levothyroxine -- Apha-lipoic acid may lower levels of thyroid hormone. Your health care provider should monitor blood hormone levels and thyroid function tests closely.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) -- Alpha lipoic acid can lower the level of vitamin B1 (Thiamine) in the body. This can be particularly dangerous in alcoholics where malnutrition is often already present.