I was told years ago by a power lifter who was one of the strongest dudes that I've ever met that you should build consistency at a lower weight then you'll start improving.
the more hormones you take with it, the more the sides. and yes that includes test.
this idea that you can take more shit to lessen sides is one of the problems in todays PED/fitness world. Everything is excess, excess, excess.
before you even start reta your diet needs to be on point. too many people are fucking themselves up on these cause they don't understand how they work.