Genesis T3+T4 100 tabs (30 + 120 mcg/tab)

Liothyronine – Cytomel

Thyroid hormones are essential for our body and can be synthesized naturally. However, many pharmaceutical companies produce synthetic forms due to the simple structure of these hormones. The two primary thyroid hormones are T4, known as levothyroxine, and T3, known as liothyronine, both synthesized and stored in the thyroid gland.

These hormones can be acquired in two ways: sourced from animal thyroid glands (bovine or ovine) or produced synthetically. In the USA, the iodine content in thyroid preparations is strictly regulated.

Cytomel (liothyronine sodium), available in tablet form, is a potent synthetic thyroid hormone—T3 is significantly more effective than T4.

Pharmacology

While the exact mechanisms of thyroid hormones remain elusive, they trigger numerous biochemical changes at the cellular level, boosting overall energy. They enhance the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins while increasing oxygen consumption, leading to a higher basal metabolic rate, affecting nearly every organ, including the brain. The significance of thyroid hormones becomes evident when observing patients with deficiencies.

Dosage

Thyroid hormones are rapidly absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract, with effects noticeable within hours, although maximum impact may take several days. Typically, these hormones remain active in the body for a few days due to binding with albumin in the bloodstream, which protects them from liver breakdown.

• Used for replacement therapy in hypothyroidism patients
• Required post-thyroidectomy
• Indicated for goiters and thyroid nodules
• Utilized as diagnostic agents in suppression tests to identify hyperthyroidism
• For patients allergic to pork or beef thyroid, Cytomel provides an alternative

Body Builders and Weight Loss

For years, both amateur and professional athletes have misused thyroid hormones for weight loss and performance enhancement due to their fat-burning properties. Cytomel is commonly used across various sports, often taken orally for 4-6 weeks and discontinued just before events. Many report significant weight loss and increased energy from Cytomel usage. However, it’s worth noting that these athletes usually combine the hormone with various supplements. Suggestions for beginners often recommend starting at 25 ug/day and gradually increasing, keeping the maximum safe dosage at about 100 ug/day. Users must understand that stopping Cytomel may cause thyroid insufficiency, necessitating a gradual tapering off to restore natural hormone production.

Consulting a physician before using thyroid hormones for weight loss is strongly recommended to ensure safety.

Signs and Symptoms

Excess thyroid hormone can lead to numerous side effects, including:

• Headaches
• Mood swings, including irritability and anxiety
• Increased sweating
• Arrhythmias
• Palpitations
• Chest discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Menstrual irregularities
• Exacerbation of heart failure
• Shock

Severe overdoses may mimic thyroid storm, while chronic excessive dosing induces hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Contraindications

Thyroid hormones are contraindicated in conditions such as untreated adrenal insufficiency, thyrotoxicosis, and hypersensitivity to active or added ingredients. Allergic reactions to liothyronine are rare.

Signs and Symptoms

While some misuse thyroid hormones for weight reduction, therapeutic dosages are typically ineffective. Larger doses that may lead to weight loss are dangerous and can have life-threatening consequences, especially combined with other agents like ephedrine or growth hormones. Medical conditions requiring caution for thyroid hormone use include adrenal insufficiency and diabetes, necessitating careful dosage adjustments. Additionally, thyroid hormones increase sensitivity to oral anticoagulants, heightening bleeding risks.

Thyroid hormones have no proven efficacy in treating infertility; consulting a physician is critical for anyone with cardiovascular concerns before initiating therapy, with the lowest effective dosages recommended.

Levels

Thyroid hormone levels can be monitored easily, with various sporting organizations, including the IOC and WADA, routinely testing athletes for these hormones.

Drug Interactions

Liothyronine interacts with numerous medications such as:

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

Physicians must ensure proper thyroid hormone dosages, with regular patient monitoring.

Treatment of Overdosage

In suspected overdose cases, hospital admission is necessary. The hormone should be temporarily halted, and the patient observed. Recovery may require stopping thyroid hormone for 4-8 weeks. Supportive care is paramount as there are no specific antidotes. Inducing vomiting is contraindicated due to aspiration risk, and comatose patients may necessitate temporary mechanical ventilation. Generally, fluid resuscitation, oxygenation, and observation will suffice, with beta-adrenergic blockers sometimes administered to reduce sympathetic activity.

Dosage

Liothyronine is available as a daily tablet, with dosage tailored to hypothyroidism severity. Starting at the lowest effective dose is crucial due to the rapid onset of action, typically beginning at 5 mcg/day and increasing gradually by no more than 5 mcg every 2-3 weeks. Higher initial doses can exacerbate heart conditions, with most needing between 50-75 ug/day. An intravenous formulation exists, particularly for myxedema coma, a severe complication of hypothyroidism more common in elderly women.

Doctors’ prescriptions are mandatory for liothyronine, available as 5, 25, and 50 ug tablets.

T4 – Liothyronine Sodium

A synthetic thyroid hormone better known as levothyroxine, primarily for hypothyroidism treatment, it mimics T4 hormones produced naturally by the thyroid. T4 positively influences the central nervous system and overall well-being, aiding fat metabolism and cellular functions.

Dosage

Recommended at 100 – 300 mcg daily.

Effects

Utilizing T4 can enhance athletic performance and promote weight loss without appetite suppression.

Side Effects

Common adverse reactions include insomnia, trembling, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, and suppression of natural thyroid hormone production.

Protection

To mitigate side effects, incorporate beta-adrenoblockers and ketotifen into your regimen. Administer T4 in the morning to minimize insomnia risks.

Stacking

Exercise caution when combining T4 with medications affecting blood pressure and heart rate.