Planning first cycle, have done 6 months of research, looking for a final check on my protocol

Been researching for 6 months before starting anything. Planning 12-week Test E only cycle at 400mg per week. Have Anastrozole on hand but planning to wait for symptoms before using it. Have Nolvadex for PCT at 20mg for 4 weeks. Will get pre-cycle bloods done before starting. Question - is 400mg a reasonable starting dose or should I go 500mg for a first cycle? I have seen arguments for both. Also - should I have HCG during cycle or is that overkill for a first run?

your protocol looks solid mate. i went with 500mg for my first cycle and it was fine. 400 vs 500 argument - most people say 500 cos the difference in results is noticeable but the extra sides are not. HCG during cycle is good to have but not essential for a first run, you can still recover fine on PCT only if its a 12-week cycle

Your protocol looks well-researched. 500mg is the standard first cycle dose for good reason - enough to clearly assess the compound, not so much that sides become hard to manage. The HCG question - not essential for a 12-week first cycle but worth having if budget allows. Keeps testicular function active during cycle and makes PCT recovery faster. If budget is a factor, get your PCT sorted first, then add HCG if there is anything left.

400mg is reasonable for a cautious first cycle but most experienced members recommend 500mg because the difference in results is meaningful and the additional sides at 500 versus 400 on a first run are minimal. Either works. Your protocol looks well thought-out - waiting for symptoms before AI, Nolvadex PCT ready in advance, pre-cycle bloods done. HCG during cycle is a solid addition if budget allows. The research you have done over 6 months shows in how the protocol is structured.