Because T3 is a fat-burning agent, Cytomel cycles are very straightforward and relatively simple.
As mentioned earlier, the method of slowly ramping up (increasing the dose) the T3 dosage is only truly necessary for those attempting T3 for the first time, in order to assess tolerance to the compound, side effects, potential for muscle loss, and the increase in body heat due to the increased metabolic rate.
By the same token, slowly ramping down (decreasing the dose) the T3 dosage after a T3 cycle is complete is not necessary at any point.
It is best to cease all administration of the drug immediately upon the conclusion of a Cytomel cycle.
This is because the thyroid is a component of the endocrine system and a proper endocrine organ, and should be treated as such.
If thyroid hormone is still being administered, even if the dose is being slowly ramped down, the thyroid has no reason to resume healthy operation as long as it detects that exogenous thyroid hormone is present.
Therefore, it is best to cease administration completely and all at once at the end of a Cytomel cycle, as this allows for the drug to clear the body faster and for thyroid function to resume more quickly.
Other fat-burning agents are included in Cytomel cycles, such as beta-agonists (e.g., Clenbuterol and Albuterol), Ephedrine, Human Growth Hormone (HGH), and even other thyroid hormones (e.g., T4).
As explained previously, the additional use of anabolic steroids in a Cytomel cycle is very common in the exercise and bodybuilding world because T3 can and does cause muscle loss due to its tremendous metabolism-boosting effects.
T3 cycles often include anabolic steroids only when the T3 dose rises above a certain range (generally above 50mcg for most individuals).
Beyond this point, muscle loss and catabolism can become a problem for the athlete or bodybuilder, and it is at this point that anabolic steroids might need to be included to prevent muscle loss, which can be very detrimental to the athlete or bodybuilder.
There are also other specific compounds that should not be included in a T3 cycle, as they can reduce the effects of T3.
One such compound is the amino acid supplement L-Carnitine, commonly found in many supplement stores worldwide.
The use of L-Carnitine assists in the transport of free fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells, increasing fat loss through this pathway.
A little-known effect of L-Carnitine use is that it deactivates a crucial function of T3 at the cellular level.
L-Carnitine has been found to be a peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action.
L-Carnitine inhibits T3 (and thyroxine, T4) from entering the cell nucleus.
One particular clinical study found that oral administration of 2-4 grams of L-Carnitine led to a mitigation of hyperthyroid symptoms, even in the most severe form of hyperthyroidism, thyroid storm.[1]
This study provides the basis for using L-Carnitine in the treatment of hyperthyroidism (or in cases where an individual has taken too much T3) because hyperthyroidism worsens the tissue depletion of carnitine.
Therefore, an individual wishing to engage in a Cytomel cycle is advised to avoid the use of L-Carnitine altogether.
Furthermore, for T3 to work effectively, proper levels of the hormone Cortisol must be present in the body.
It is known that many individuals have engaged in Cytomel cycles only to find that the fat loss effects or body temperature increase effects were not significant.
It is very important to understand that Cortisol works in conjunction with T3 to initiate lipolysis (fat breakdown) in the body.
Cortisol serves to usher T3 into the cells so that T3 can increase energy production and consumption.
Often, the use of Cortisol blockers or Cortisol-blocking supplements, or taking other drugs or hormones that suppress Cortisol production in the body, can reduce the effects of T3.
Some users who were disappointed with their T3 cycle have reported experiencing a drastic increase in metabolism, body heat generation, and the overall effects of T3 after using Hydrocortisone cream or supplements that can increase Cortisol levels in the body (e.g., 5-HTP[2]).
One of the particularly important and prominent symptoms when Cortisol levels are low or insufficient during T3 use is extreme lethargy.
In this case, using Hydrocortisone cream at 5-10g per day can alleviate the problem.
Sample Cytomel Cycle #1 (Total Cycle Time 12 Weeks)
| Weeks 1-12 | – Testosterone Enanthate 300mg /week
– Trenbolone Enanthate 400mg /week |
| Weeks 1-8 | – Cytomel (T3) 75 – 100mcg /day |
Sample T3 Cycle #2 (Total Cycle Time 8 Weeks)
| Weeks 1-12 | – Testosterone Propionate 100mg /week (25mg every other day)
– Trenbolone Acetate 200mg /week (50mg every other day) |
| Weeks 1-8 | – Clenbuterol 120mcg /day
– Ketotifen 2mg /day taken every second week of Clenbuterol use – Cytomel (T3) 100mcg/day administered |
Sample Cytomel Cycle #3 (Total Cycle Time 8 Weeks)
| Weeks 1-12 | – Testosterone Propionate 100mg /week (25mg every other day)
– Trenbolone Acetate 200mg /week (50mg every other day) – Drostanolone Propionate 400mg /week (100mg every other day) |
| Weeks 1-2 5-6 8+ |
– Cytomel (T3) 100mcg /day
– Clenbuterol 120mcg /day |
Cytomel (T3) References
[1] Effects of carnitine on thyroid hormone action.
Benvenga, Salvatore; et al. (2004). Ann. N. Y. Acad. 1033 (1033): 158–167. doi:10.1196/annals.1320.015. PMID 15591013.
[2] The cortisol response to 5-hydroxytryptophan, orally, in depressive inpatients. Maes M, De Ruyter M, Claes R, Bosma G, Suy E. J Affect Disord. 1987 Jul-Aug;13(1):23-30.
