Cytomel is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid but a thyroid hor­mone. As a substance it contains synthetically manufactured liothyronine sodium which resembles the natural thyroid hormone tricodide-thyronine (L-T3). The thyroid of a healthy person usually produces two hormones, the better known L-thyroxine (L-T4) and the aforementioned L-trilodine~thyronine (L-T3).

Since Cytomel is the synthetic equivalent of the latter hormone, it causes the same processes in the body as if the thyroid were to produce more of the hormone. It is interesting to note that L-T3 is clearly the stronger and more effective of these two hormones. This makes Cytomel more effective than the commercially available L-T4 compounds such as L-thyroxine or Synthroid. The manufacturer of the German L-T3 compound.

Possible side effects such as medication are described for this compound: exceeding the individual limits of compatibil­ity for liothyronine or taking an overdose, especially, if the dose is increased too quickly at the beginning of the treatment, can cause the following clinical symptoms for a thyroid hyperfunction): heart palpitation, trembling, irregular heartbeat, heart oppression, agita­tion, shortness of breath, excretion of sugar through the urine, ex­cessive perspiration, diarrhea, weight loss, psychic disorders, etc., as well as symptoms of hypersensitivity.

Most symptoms consist of trembling of hands, nausea, headaches, high perspiration, and increased heartbeat. These negative side effects can often be eliminated by temporarily reducing the daily dosage.