There’s a lot of mystery involving the thyroid and the effects that bodybuilding drugs can have upon it. Let’s address a few commonly asked questions regarding steroid use and the thyroid. A few misconceptions, resulting from deliberate fear tactics, might even be disproved!
What does the thyroid do?
This small gland is your body’s natural thermometer. It regulates numerous hormone production levels, including metabolism. Located near your larynx, this organ secretes three different hormones including T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). T3 and t4 are responsible for regulating the rate of which macronutrients such as protein, carbs, and fat as burned by the body.
Why would we want to manipulate thyroid function?
If you can raise the body temperature a fraction of a degree, you increase the metabolism and burn more calories. This is useful for bodybuilders seeking to shed body fat for an upcoming show.
What bodybuilding drugs can I use to manipulate thyroid function?
Cytomel, Clenbuterol and ECA (a stack of ephedrine, aspirin, and caffeine) are all drugs which are used by the body to shed body fart. Cytomel in particular alters thyroid function in order to boost rates of carbohydrate burning. There are others, but most bodybuilders would be well-served to sticking with this list of tried-and true compounds. Using stronger, riskier compounds like DNP can lead to permanent damage. Drugs like ECA have been used for many years, both inside and outside the world of bodybuilding. As long as they are taken moderately, they pose no harm to a healthy, active person.
Are these drugs more effective alone, or stacked?
When it comes to cutting agents, the magic word is synergy! In other words, 1 + 1 = 3. The use of ECA is very effective when it comes to shedding body far. Buy Clenbuterol and add into the mix, and you’ll notice your body become a furnace, burning anything you throw at it. Getting ripped will only take a few weeks. Adding Cytomel to the mix should be done when the bodybuilder is very overweight, or has a very slow metabolism. But to answer your question, when cutting drugs are stacked, they are much more effective than they are when used alone.
What are the dangers?
You’ll always hear people warning that any attempt to use Cytomel or other compounds to burn fat will have negative effects upon thyroid function. However, there are people who use thyroid drugs for decades, who get off of them, and see their levels return in a matter of days. While there have certainly not been adequate studies completed upon the use of one or more bodybuilding cutting agents upon the thyroid for the purpose of shedding body fat, it’s commonly accepted among those in the industry that thyroid function is not a serious concern. However, any drug used to an extreme particularly insulin may have negative side effects which may be unforeseen in existing examples. For the most part, however, the thyroid is something you shouldn’t worry about much when it comes to steroid use.
