Something that we rarely discuss in the enhanced bodybuilding community is the impact of AAS use on thyroid function.
In this post, I will be looking at some of the data regarding the interaction between AAS and endogenous thyroid hormones, and explain why using low doses of exogenous thyroid hormones during an AAS cycle may be a good idea.
AAS and Thyroid Hormone Production
AAS have a complex relationship with the regulation of thyroid hormones in the body, and their effects can be quite varied. When the body is exposed to AAS, several physiological changes occur that can impact the secretion and conversion of thyroid hormones.
Suppression of TSH
One of the ways in which AAS can impact thyroid hormones is by suppressing the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland. TSH is the primary stimulus for the production and release of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), from the thyroid gland. When TSH secretion is suppressed, the thyroid gland produces less T3 and T4, leading to decreased levels of these hormones in the blood and potentially causing hypothyroidism.
Alteration of T4 to T3 Conversion
Another way in which AAS can impact thyroid hormones is by altering the conversion of T4 to T3. T4 is the main form of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland, but it is not as biologically active as T3. The conversion of T4 to T3 is an important step in the regulation of metabolism, as T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone that stimulates metabolic processes. AAS can interfere with this conversion, leading to decreased levels of active T3 in the blood and a decreased metabolic rate.
Consequences of Impaired Thyroid Function
These negative effects can result in hypothyroidism and decreased metabolic rate, among other symptoms. In other words, AAS may slow down one’s metabolism and make it harder for the user to lose fat.
Proposed Solution
Knowing that it is possible for AAS to worsen thyroid function, it would make sense for AAS users to incorporate T3 in their cutting cycles.
Risks of High Doses of T3
Many bodybuilders take high doses of T3 during their cutting cycles to lose more fat, but that comes with serious health risks. Using a low dose of T3 may be enough to offset the negative impact of AAS on endogenous thyroid production without causing additional side effects like increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Recommendations for T3 Dosage
If you are an advanced bodybuilder, you are probably already using high doses of T3 with your cutting cycles (you can learn how to do that in my Fat-Burner Wiki). If you are not willing or ready to take high doses of T3 but you still want to optimize your thyroid function during cutting cycles with AAS, you should consider taking 12.5 to 25mcg of T3 per day.
Important Considerations
Note that you will suppress your endogenous thyroid production by shutting down TSH, regardless of what T3 dose you use. No “PCT” is required for your thyroid hormones as it only takes a couple of weeks for them to bounce back; just try not to stuff yourself with food for a couple of weeks after T3 cessation.
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