I'm going to get some stick for this but let me tell you some truths about hCG.
YES,YES,YES, it's one of the most important parts of your cycle.

I'll keep it as simple as possible.
Getting your natural test levels back after your cycle is very important, the quicker you recover the better because you will keep more of your gains.

hCG use on cycle will make recovery easier and quicker so you will keep more of your gains.

It does this because it keeps the testes functioning so come PCT time (hpTa) this link (the T) testicular part in the chain isn't missing.

So basically the PCT meds can do their job at the HPA part, if the T part isn't functioning this makes the job much more difficult because remember that the A part stands for axis so basically this is a loop like a chain but with a missing link.

Now not only will hCG make recovery post cycle quicker and easier it also has some other benefits.
Ive taken this from the sticky i wrote for another forum, bear in mind that this from the endocrinology society of which i am a member..

Firstly a little basic info on the P450 enzyme and why hCG use on cycle is extremely beneficial:
The CYP450 (cytochrome P450) enzyme system is a key pathway for drug metabolism.

Many lipophilic drugs must undergo biotransformation to more hydrophilic compounds to be excreted from the body.
The majority of drugs undergo phase I metabolism (e.g., oxidation, reduction) by CYP450 enzymes,
this is especially indicative of anabolic androgenic steroids and endogenous steroid hormones.

We all know the importance of incorporating hCG into our cycle, this is just another good reason to use hCG.
In laymans terms hCG increases the dynamics of CYP450 which in turn increases the rate at which drugs can be metabolized,
which in turn increases protein dynamics.

Basically by the action of hCG on P450 dynamics it also increases pregnenolone which
is the precursor for all other steroid hormones and has many benefits,
one of which is that it serves to keep/restore a natural hormonal balance within this key pathway even if the HPTA is suppressed,

It also has energizing, anti-stress benefits, elevates mood through the raising of NDMA activity and reduces excess Cortisol,
so if we can increase this steroid hormone with the use of hCG, we should.

Simple answer...Nope.

First cycle, test only, not needed.

Long long cycle, extended TRT, heavy componds....then maybe.

it's optional

What about HCG for weight loss during a cycle? (its commonly prescribed to people from these weight loss dr's.)

no, long story short, the only thing HCG really does on cycle is reverse testicular atrophy. nothing else, to much hcg use is and can be bad, can cause permanent shut down. hcg if its going to be ran should only be ran in the last 4 weeks of cycle up to PCT as a pct kicker. i would recommend reading some of the current posts ive posted on HCG. its not something i would recommend running.