Calvin Scott T3 – Cytogen 100 tabs (50 mcg/tab)

Liothyronine – Cytomel

Thyroid hormones, crucial for metabolic regulation, are naturally produced in the body, yet many pharmaceutical companies create synthetic versions. The two primary types are T4, known as levothyroxine, and T3, recognized as liothyronine. These hormones are synthesized and stored in the thyroid gland.

Pharmaceutical thyroid hormones come from two sources: animal thyroid glands (bovine or ovine) or are synthetically manufactured. In the United States, iodine content in thyroid preparations is strictly regulated.

Cytomel (liothyronine sodium) is available as tablets or a salt derivative of a natural thyroid hormone, with T3 being considerably more potent than T4.

Pharmacology

The precise mechanisms of thyroid hormones remain unclear; however, they induce a variety of biochemical changes within cells to boost energy levels. These hormones facilitate the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins while enhancing oxygen consumption. Users of thyroid hormones typically experience an increased basal metabolic rate, affecting nearly every organ, especially the brain. The significance of thyroid hormones becomes evident in patients experiencing deficiencies.

Dosage

Thyroid hormones are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, with effects noticeable within hours, though peak activity can take several days. They often remain in the body for days, binding to albumin in the blood, which protects them from liver breakdown.

Indications for thyroid hormone include:

• Replacement therapy for hypothyroidism
• Post-surgical thyroid removal replacement
• Management of goiters and thyroid nodules
• Diagnostic agents for suppression tests in suspected hyperthyroidism
• Alternative for patients allergic to pork or beef thyroid

Bodybuilders and Weight Loss

For decades, both amateur and professional athletes have misused thyroid hormones for weight loss. As thyroid hormones promote fat and carbohydrate metabolism, they’ve been popular for enhancing athletic performance. Oral administration of Cytomel spans 4-6 weeks, typically ceasing one week before competition. Users report weight loss and increased energy, though reliance on other supplements complicates outcomes.

Online sources suggest starting Cytomel at 25 mcg/day and gradually increasing by 5-10 mcg/day. The maximum considered safe dose is 100 mcg/day. Users should be cautious as discontinuing Cytomel may lead to temporary thyroid insufficiency due to gland suppression, necessitating a tapered dose over several weeks.

Consultation with a physician is essential for those using thyroid hormones off-label for weight loss.

Signs and Symptoms

Excessive thyroid hormone can result in various side effects, including:

• Headaches
• Mood changes, including irritability and anxiety
• Sweating
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Palpitations
• Chest pain
• Diarrhea
• Menstrual irregularities
• Exacerbation of heart failure
• Shock

Severe overdosage may mimic a thyroid storm, while chronic excessive dosing simulates hyperthyroidism.

Contraindications

Thyroid hormone treatments are contraindicated for individuals with untreated adrenal insufficiency, thyrotoxicosis, or known hypersensitivity. True allergic reactions to liothyronine remain rare.

Levels

Thyroid hormone levels can be easily monitored, with sports organizations, including the IOC and WADA, routinely testing athletes for these hormones. Sensitive radioimmunoassays can detect minute quantities in urine.

Drug Interactions

Liothyronine may interact with various medications including:

• Oral anticoagulants
• Insulin or hypoglycemics
• Cholestyramine
• Estrogens and oral contraceptives
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Digitalis

Healthcare providers must ensure that thyroid hormone dosages remain safe and patients should have regular follow-ups.

Treatment of Overdosage

In cases of suspected thyroid hormone overdosage, hospital admission is crucial. Hormone administration should cease while monitoring continues. Most patients require a cessation period of 4-8 weeks to allow thyroid recovery. Supportive care is the primary treatment, with no specific antidote available. Inducing vomiting is not advised due to aspiration risks. Severe cases may necessitate mechanical ventilation or beta-blockers for symptomatic relief.

Dosage

Liothyronine is administered as a daily tablet, with dosage customized based on hypothyroidism severity. Treatment should begin at minimal doses due to rapid action onset, starting with 5 mcg/day and increasing by no more than 5 mcg/day at 2-3 week intervals. Avoid high initial doses to prevent exacerbating heart conditions; typically, 50-75 mcg/day suffices. Liothyronine also exists in intravenous form and is utilized for critical conditions like myxedema coma, a severe complication of hypothyroidism primarily affecting elderly women.

Available doses of liothyronine include 5, 25, and 50 mcg tablets, all requiring a physician’s prescription in the USA.