Is it true that time on = time off?

**ironmike250** · 03-24-2006, 01:21 PM

I was just wondering how long you should wait in between cycles? I jsut wrapped up a 12 week cycle aboutr a 6 weeks ago. How long should I wait to do another one? I'm sure this has been covered before, so I appologize if I'm duplicating a previous thread.

Thanks as always!

**powerliftmike** · 03-24-2006, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by ironmike250

I was just wondering how long you should wait in between cycles? I jsut wrapped up a 12 week cycle aboutr a 6 weeks ago. How long should I wait to do another one? I'm sure this has been covered before, so I appologize if I'm duplicating a previous thread.

Thanks as always!

The general consensus for recreational bodybuilding is time on+pct equals the time you should take. I say if your bloodwork is good, then you can cycle again.

**scotttiger54** · 03-24-2006, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by powerliftmike

The general consensus for recreational bodybuilding is time on+pct equals the time you should take. I say if your bloodwork is good, then you can cycle again.

couldn't have said it better... i would wait another 2wks then go get some blood work done. if all looks well then have it at. but yea this is basically a rule of thumb that imo should almost always be followed

**ToTheBuckeT21** · 03-24-2006, 01:32 PM

To be honest i believe the time on = time off thing is out dated.. You can go to your Dr. every other week and get blood work done for free. If you were on for 14 weeks and you stay off 14 weeks but ur still not where you should be your cycling too soon.. Some people can be shut down for that long.. Just get the blood work done in my opinion. I usually get blood work right after pct, a month or so later then right before i start a cycle. This way i know just where i am

**kuad** · 03-24-2006, 01:41 PM

i have read that some people are on year long cycles...

**WEBB** · 03-24-2006, 01:44 PM

this is the general rule of thumb, especially when they dont get regular blood work. but if you get blood work done and your ready before then go ahead, but at the same time if your not ready dont do it until it is time.

**fitnessNY** · 03-24-2006, 02:16 PM

The main rule of thumb that should not be broken is to get bloodwork done before your next cycle. I always get it done about 3 weeks or so after pct. for a 16 week cycle I went back on 14 weeks later after bloodwork was ok.

**rodge** · 03-24-2006, 02:58 PM

blood work is key factor to know were you are recovery wise.

-rodge

**ironmike250** · 03-24-2006, 04:01 PM

When you guys say blood work, you mean have my test levels checked right? What should the levels be?

**Ih8urdsm** · 03-24-2006, 04:03 PM

do you guys usually tell your docs you just ran a cycle

**Killzone** · 03-24-2006, 04:09 PM

I need a new doctor I think. What should one look for in the blood test. Liver Enzymes, test levels, what?

**powerliftmike** · 03-24-2006, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by struggles

I need a new doctor I think. What should one look for in the blood test. Liver Enzymes, test levels, what?

liver, kidney, lipid panel (all cholesterol & triglycerides), blood pressure, and total and free test. Of course blood pressure is not blood work, I just meant to get that checked too.

**Swifto** · 03-24-2006, 04:16 PM

My bloodwork includes the following:

ENDOCRINOLOGY
Testosterone

LIVER FUNCTION TESTS
Albumin
Globulin
Total Protein
Bilirubin
Gamma GT
Alkaline Phosphatase
Aspartate Transferase (AST)
Alanine Transferase (ALT)

LIPID PROFILE
Triglycerides
Total Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
HDL/Cholesterol Ratio

KIDNEY FUNCTION
Urea
Creatinine

FULL BLOOD COUNT
RED CELL COUNT
Haemoglobin
Haematocrit (HCT)
Red Cell Count
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH)
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
DIFFERENTIAL WHITE CELL COUNT
White Cell Count
Neutrophils
Lymphocytes
Monocytes
Eosinophils
Basophils
Platelet Count
ESR

ELECTROLYTES
Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Bicarbonate
Uric Acid

MUSCLE ENZYME
Creatine Kinase

MINERALS
Calcium
Phosphate

IRON STATUS PROFILE
Iron
Total Iron Binding Capacity

**heavyrotation92** · 03-24-2006, 04:23 PM

jesus, thats pretty exstensive, props for that.

**Swifto** · 03-24-2006, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by heavyrotation92

jesus, thats pretty exstensive, props for that.

No problem.

**ironmike250** · 03-24-2006, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by Swifto

My bloodwork includes the following:

ENDOCRINOLOGY
Testosterone

LIVER FUNCTION TESTS
Albumin
Globulin
Total Protein
Bilirubin
Gamma GT
Alkaline Phosphatase
Aspartate Transferase (AST)
Alanine Transferase (ALT)

LIPID PROFILE
Triglycerides
Total Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
HDL/Cholesterol Ratio

KIDNEY FUNCTION
Urea
Creatinine

FULL BLOOD COUNT
RED CELL COUNT
Haemoglobin
Haematocrit (HCT)
Red Cell Count
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH)
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
DIFFERENTIAL WHITE CELL COUNT
White Cell Count
Neutrophils
Lymphocytes
Monocytes
Eosinophils
Basophils
Platelet Count
ESR

ELECTROLYTES
Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Bicarbonate
Uric Acid

MUSCLE ENZYME
Creatine Kinase

MINERALS
Calcium
Phosphate

IRON STATUS PROFILE
Iron
Total Iron Binding Capacity

Holy shit bro. Thats awesome! How much does blood work like that cost?

**Swifto** · 03-24-2006, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by ironmike250

Holy shit bro. Thats awesome! How much does blood work like that cost?

I live in the UK and have a good doctor. The NHS pay for mine!

**ironmike250** · 03-24-2006, 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by Swifto

I live in the UK and have a good doctor. The NHS pay for mine!

Good for you man!

**stumpy29** · 03-24-2006, 07:27 PM

Quick question Just because your bloodwork comes back good doesn't mean your receptors have cleared does it?

**stumpy29** · 03-24-2006, 07:54 PM

bump

**POSH** · 03-25-2006, 05:34 AM

Any good options for people w/o health insurance in the US to get blood work done?

**Swifto** · 03-25-2006, 05:40 AM

Originally Posted by stumpy29

bump

Does receptor upregulation and downregulation actually occur....? Some say yes, others say its doesnt.

SVTMuscle* · 03-25-2006, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by ToTheBuckeT21

To be honest i believe the time on = time off thing is out dated.. You can go to your Dr. every other week and get blood work done for free. If you were on for 14 weeks and you stay off 14 weeks but ur still not where you should be your cycling too soon.. Some people can be shut down for that long.. Just get the blood work done in my opinion. I usually get blood work right after pct, a month or so later then right before i start a cycle. This way i know just where i am

you can go to a doctor and have blood work done for free??

**Ufa** · 03-25-2006, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by SVTMuscle

you can go to a doctor and have blood work done for free??

There ain't no such thing as a free lunch!

SVTMuscle* · 03-25-2006, 09:26 AM

haha thats true, well i can actually get free blood work done anyways at my moms office. i just dont want her grilling me for why i want my blood work done haha

**fitguy** · 03-25-2006, 09:37 AM

bump for the dwonregulation of receptors question ..

**POSH** · 03-25-2006, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by POSH

Any good options for people w/o health insurance in the US to get blood work done?

???????

**DHew** · 03-25-2006, 03:55 PM

Im curious too, Posh.

**cj1capp** · 03-25-2006, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by Ih8urdsm

do you guys usually tell your docs you just ran a cycle

sure do

**fitguy** · 03-25-2006, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by cj1capp

sure do

sure not ? i dont have a medical insurance here but if u come to think about it ,telling a doctor that your are taking illegal steroids might have an effect on your medical insurance in the future ..that just my thoughts ..peace

**stumpy29** · 03-25-2006, 08:08 PM

bump what about receptors?

**AnabolicBoy1981** · 03-25-2006, 08:21 PM

bump, yeah what about receptors? Does this mean il never have to use more than 500mg of test a week?

**yenstrol** · 03-25-2006, 08:29 PM

Whoa hold on!! What am i supposed to tell my doctor i neeed blood work done for?????

**rast4man** · 03-25-2006, 10:34 PM

For those of you that don't have insurance or the ends to cover doctors' visits plus lab fees, use www.directlabs.com and look into the Comprehensive Welness Profile. I have insurance and have the ends to cover doctors' visits, but why would I want to go to my doctor and potentially be lectured about my adult decisions to use AAS? This is a place that will send you a kit and you take it to a LabCorp around you (one of the biggest testing corporations in the world) and they will take your blood and have your results back to you in 2 days online and confidential. They also send you paperwork after the test and let you know what is abnormal if anything. You are looking at about $89 I believe for a COMPLETE test kit that includes:

Complete Blood Count
WBC-White blood cells are the body's primary defense against disease. White blood cells help fight infection.

RBC-Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide to all cells. Iron deficiency will lower RBC.

Hemoglobin-A chemical compound inside red cells that transports oxygen through the blood stream to all cells of the body. Oxygen is needed for healthy organs. Hemoglobin gives the red color to blood.

Hematocrit - Hematocrit measures the amount of space red blood cells take up in the blood. It is reported as a percentage.

Lymphocytes-The results of this and basophils, eosinophils, monocytes and neutrophils deal with white blood cell function. Important to the body's defense against infection. Also important in the assessment of nutritional status.

Monocytes- The results of this and basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils deal with white blood cell function. Important to the body's defense against infection. Also important in the assessment of nutritional status.

MCH Mean- corpuscular hemoglobin is one way to measure the average hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells, which varies from normal with different diseases.

MCHC Mean- corpuscular hemoglobin concentration.

MCV Mean- corpuscular volume measures red blood cell volume.
Monocytes Important in the assessment of nutritional status.

Neutrophils- The results of this and basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes deal with white blood cell function. Important to the body's defense against infection. Also important in the assessment of nutritional status.

Platelets- Blood cell particles involved with the forming of blood clots.

RDW- Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a calculation of the variation in the size of your RBCs. In some anemias, such as pernicious anemia, the amount of variation (anisocytosis) in RBC size (along with variation in shape – poikilocytosis) causes an increase in the RDW.esterol, heart disease, blood tests, cholesterol, heart disease

Liver Profile
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT)- an enzyme found primarily in the liver. Abnormalities may represent liver disease.

Albumin - serum one of the major proteins in the blood and a reflection of the general state of
nutrition.

Albumin/Globulin ratio - Calculated by dividing the albumin by the globulin.

Alkaline phosphatase - A body protein important in diagnosing proper bone and liver functions.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) - an enzyme found in skeletal and heart muscle, liver and other organs. Abnormalities may represent liver disease.

Bilirubin - Total A chemical involved with liver functions. High concentrations may result in jaundice.

Globulin, Total - A major group of proteins in the blood comprising the infection fighting antibodies.

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) - An enzyme found mostly in the heart, muscles, liver, kidney, brain, and red blood cells. When an organ of the body is damaged, LDH is released in greater quantity into the blood stream.

Protein, Total - Together with albumin, it is a measure of the state of nutrition in the body.

GGT - GGT Also known as: Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, GGTP Formal name: Gamma-glutamyl transferase helps to detect liver and bile duct injury. Some doctors use it in all people they suspect of having liver disease, others use it only to help explain the cause of other changes or if they suspect alcohol abuse

Kidney Panel
Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - A by-product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidneys. BUN is an indicator of kidney function.

Creatinine, Serum - An indicator of kidney function.

Uric acid - Another by-product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidneys. Uric acid is an indicator of kidney function.

Bun/Creatinine - Ratio Calculated by dividing the BUN by the Creatinine

Thyroid Panel
The thyroid gland synthesizes, stores and releases hormones. The hormones secreted are iodine containing amino acids, thyroxine (T4) and triiodo-thyronine (T3). The thyroid hormones influence a diversity of metabolic processes. These tests help to evaluate thyroid hormones that control the body's metabolic rate.
Total T-4 (Thyroxine)
T-3 uptake
Free-Thyroxine Index (FTI) T-7
TSH

Cardiovascular Function - Heart Disease
Cholesterol, Total - A sterol in the blood. Knowing your cholesterol may be as important as knowing your blood pressure. Elevated cholesterol is associated with an increasing risk of coronary heart disease.

HDL - Cholesterol High-density lipoproteins are believed to take cholesterol away from cells and transport it back to the liver for processing or removal. They have become known as the "good" cholesterol as persons with high levels of HDL may have less heart disease. Low HDL could be the result of smoking and lack of exercise.
LDL - Cholesterol Low-density lipoproteins contain the greatest percentage of cholesterol and may be responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls. For that reason, they could be known as the "bad" cholesterol.

Cholesterol/HDL Ratio - Calculated by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL cholesterol. Ratio used by physicians in determining your relative risk for developing cardiovascular heart disease.

Triglycerides - Triglycerides is a fat in the blood responsible for providing energy to the cells of the body. Triglycerides should be less than 400 mg/dl even in a non-fasting state.

Bone And Minerals
Iron, Total - An abnormally low test result may indicate iron deficiency anemia.

Calcium - A mineral essential for development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It is important also for the normal function of muscles, nerves and blood clotting.

Phosphorus - Together with calcium, it is essential for healthy development of bones and teeth. Associated with hormone imbalance, bone disease and kidney disease. It is found mainly in bones and teeth. NOTE: a temporary drop in phosphorus level can be seen after a meal.

Fluids & Electrolytes
Chloride, Serum - Similar to sodium, it helps to maintain the body's electrolyte balance.

Potassium - Helps to control the nerves and muscles.

Sodium, Serum - One of the major salts in the body fluid; sodium is important in the body's water balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.

Carbon Dioxide - ordered as part of an electrolyte panel. The electrolyte panel is used to detect, evaluate, and monitor electrolyte imbalances.

Diabetes
Glucose - Blood sugar level, the most direct single test to uncover diabetes, may be used not only to identify diabetes, but also to evaluate how one controls the disease.

I hope this helps some of you. Best of luck.