Question About Ancillaries

[BenHadasack]

Before anyone asks I don't plan on cycling for another year or two but in the meantime I'm trying to learn as much as possible so I cam be prepared when the time comes.

Recommendations for first cycle as far as AAS go seem pretty standard. 500mg/wk Test E for 10-12 weeks. Where there is a lot of confusion is the ancillaries. This is the part I would like some input on.

On Cycle Ancillaries:

hCG: I've heard mixed reviews on this. Some say it definitely helps maintain testicular function and makes recovery easier. Others say it makes no difference for a small/low dose first cycle. Finally some people claim it can actually be bad for you by desensitizing your testes. I'm leaning towards using hCG on cycle in low doses because the risk seems pretty small and it makes sense that it's better to keep your testes functioning as much as possible.

AI's: More mixed reviews. Some say definately use a low dose AI on cycle to prevent possible gyno. Others say keep it on hand but don't take it unless you need it. I'm leaning towards just keeping it on hand. I would like to see how my body reacts to just Test (one of the reasons for sticking to a single compound). If I take an AI from the get go, I'll never know what sides I actually get from Test (gyno, bloat, etc). Hopefully I can minimize the risk of gyno by starting my cycle in single digit bf (roughly 11-12% now, but will diet down before cycle) and keeping my diet clean. Obviously I may end up needing an AI so I will keep Arimidex on hand as well as letro for severe cases.

PCT:
Commonly recommended compounds are clomid, nolva, and possibly an AI. Some say use clomid or nolva alone, others say use both, etc. Personally I'm leaning towards the clomid/nolva combo since I want to be back up and running ASAP. I have heard of clomid having some shitty sides but I figure I might as well learn about them now.

So that's basically what I'm planning based in my research so far, but I still have a lot of time before I cycle so I'm still trying to learn more. Any input is appreciated.

[Capebuffalo]

test only yes
dosage yes
hcg on cycle yes
armidex on cycle yes
clomid and novla pct yes

[gixxerboy1]

you need to read the details on the stuff your reading.
HCG will help you recover. No reason not to use it. You still get shut down on a 500mg cycle and doesnt matter if its your 1st or 5th.
You need to use an ai on cycle. There is no sound argument not to. Your injecting test. Your body will convert it and you will have raised estrogen. Waiting to you get physical sides is dumb. Also raised estrogen does other things you can't feel.