Iam assuming the first questions is will your testes shrink on cycle..the answer is yes they will if you suppress your natural testosterone they will shrink over time..
Test E is a great way to start..yes I've done plenty of cycles without hcg and recovered quite well as well as I would with hcg I have no clue?
If your diet isn't on point your gains will suffer, yes
Blood work isn't necessary but it's def a luxury and nice to have..
Good luck hope I've answered some of your questions