I'm not a physician, just a guy with TRT experience. So newbies do not take my posts as medical advice. Do your own research, due diligence, and seek qualified TRT physicians if and when you are ready.
Who Dares Win said:
Correct me if Im wrong but if you supplement your test level to move from the middle range to the higher range, in the long run your body is gonna decrease the amount of natural test produced, therefore in order to keep that level in the higher range you are gonna need trt for life.
I had low T in the 350 ng/dl range, after a few cycles in my 20s.
I tried temporal PCT (30 days), heavy compound exercises, the anabolic diet comprising high fat intake, tribulus terrestris among dozens of other supplements; my baseline levels remained low.
I tried testosterone gels. It was crap.
I tried the HGH/Clomid protocol alone and contemporaneously--which increases your LH/FSH and thus natural T, rather than suppressing natural T, and that combination brought me into the middle range, 500-600 ng/dl.
I tried Cypionate and Enanthate 175-250 mgs/wk, in combination with HCG/Clomid, and my levels soared to 800-1200 ng/dl.
Yes TRT is for life. Conversely, testosterone supplementation can be temporally cycled with proper PCT. I know dozens of individuals whose T levels returned back to norm after cycling following PCT. I also know a few, including myself, whose T level never quite recovered, regardless.
Everyone is different. Is it worth the risk? That's a decision you would have to make.
If one had average levels and wished to increase to higher levels without suppression, HCG/clomid combo along with an anti-E might be the solution, although I could see how one can fall into a negative FSH/LH loop following discontinuance.
Quality of life is most important to me. I rather live 60 good years than 90 crappy ones. Not to say that TRT shortens life spans if taken properly. In many cases, TRT can increase life span, as low T is associated with myriad health problems. Just explaining the mindset of TRT for life.