How much time off is enough

[amkawi]

Last year I ran a few cycles but didn't take much time off in between. Eventually the gains stopped. Its been 3 months since my last PCT ended. I kept most of my size and lost a little bit of strength. Had my blood work done and everything is within normal range except my LDL is a little high. My doctor tells me this would be due to my high calorie diet and its nothing to be concerned about. I requested to get my hormones checked as well but she said she is only concerned about my organ functions and refused to do them along with suggesting that I quit bodybuilding and lose 60 to 70 pounds which doesn't really work for me.. I was wondering how much longer should I wait to start another cycle to get optimal gains. Would like to run 1200mg test a week for 16 weeks with 600mg deca for 14 weeks and 50mg to 75mg dbol a day for the first 4 weeks. I'm 5'8, 218lbs , 12%BF

[Praetorian]

Two things...your LDL is slightly high most likely from excessive carb intake NOT calories or fat...high carbs lead to inflammation and this increases LDL. Remember however there is more than one kind of LDL and they are not all bad. The other thing is you need to find a new Doc...the one you have isnt worth the time you spend with her.

Do you compete? What was your last cycle? Why so much gear?

P

[Sean Summers]

Do what Prae said. The whole purpose of getting blood work done after a cycle is to check hormones. Your assumption that "everything is within normal range" is just that - an assumption.

[amkawi]

No I haven't competed yet but that is the plan. My last cycle was 750mg of test a week. Against my better judgement I have taken some bad advice from a local bodybuilder that has done very well but the more I speak with him the more he appears to be really thick in the head.. Ill try taking to my doctor once more about the blood work before I find a new one. Don't want to step on any toes since she has been my doctor since I was 7 years old.

[Praetorian]

Stepping on toes to be sure of your health is well worth it. Your dosages are way more than what is necessary...if you havent even competed yet...where do you go from there?
P

[amkawi]

You do make a very good point. I really appreciate your advice. What would you recommend?

[Praetorian]

First get your blood work done...hormones included then we can talk cycle. Generally test and an anabolic like EQ or deca s all you need off season to grow...500-750 test + 400 EQ or deca s plenty. More emphasis needs to be placed on nutrition and training....without those optimized you will gain very little no matter what gear you do.
P

[fmrdh]

Two things...your LDL is slightly high most likely from excessive carb intake NOT calories or fat...high carbs lead to inflammation and this increases LDL. Remember however there is more than one kind of LDL and they are not all bad. The other thing is you need to find a new Doc...the one you have isnt worth the time you spend with her.

Do you compete? What was your last cycle? Why so much gear?

P

No mean to hijack but I was wondering what your opinion is on Sweet Potatoes vs other carb sources:

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2667/2

Rice, Potato, Oats etc all seem to be strongly inflammatory but sweet potatoes show the opposite.

[Praetorian]

Root vegetables like sweet potatos are a better choice yes.
P