Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate)

Most people are unaware of the fact that Equipoise is a Veterinary grade steroid that’s administered to horses, to allow them to maintain lean muscle mass.

The word Equipoise is derived from the term Equestrian, which means – no prizes for guessing, horses.

Which is the other veterinary anabolic compound that’s quite popular?

Trenbolone!

EQ is often compared to Trenbolone.

But Trenbolone is a 19-nor, while Equipoise is a testosterone derivative, which means that they are as different as chalk and cheese.

But, based on anecdotal reviews, EQ is pretty close to Tren.

Some call it a weaker Tren. Others say it’s a saver alternative to Tren.

While there are some who call it a waste of money.

Which one is it really?

Well, Equipoise or Boldenone Undecyclate is a very effective compound, provided that the goals from your AAS cycle match the results that can be achieved with it.

It’s definitely not a compound for everyone. If you have wondered whether it’s worth the price, money and effort, then here are five things that you should know about it before you run it.

#1 – Equipoise is a slow steroid

Boldenone Undecyclate, has the heavy undecylate ester (11-carbon atoms) attached to it, that peaks in about 3-4 days after the injection and then is slowly released into your blood stream for about 3-weeks.

So, it would take about 7-8 weeks for the compound to reach peak plasma levels in your blood. In other words, you might not experience any of the positive benefits associated with the compound until then.

There is a shorter acting ester called Boldenone Cyp.

Why, many UG labs even brew Boldenone Ace. The caveat is that the quality can be circumspect. Not to mention that the PIP for Boldenone Ace is said to be legendary.

Coming back to Equipoise, it is a steroid that needs to be run for at least 12-16-weeks. Much like Deca. However, you will get much better results with Deca in terms of mass, strength and collagen synthesis.

That’s not the reason why people run EQ.

#2 – Equipoise is a weak mass builder

A lot of people tend to associate anabolic steroids with lean muscle mass. But when they don’t get the kind of mass gains that they expect, they get disappointed and trash the compound every chance they get.

Equipoise is one of those compounds. It has all the traits of testosterone mind you.

Yes, we just said Testosterone. Dan Duchaine called it a Deca Durabolin clone. But we don’t see any similarity in EQ and Deca.

EQ increases your nitrogen retention, amplifies protein synthesis, boosts the production of RBC and also suppresses glucocorticoid hormones, which should ideally be sufficient to increase lean muscle mass.

But, you will not gain a substantial amount of mass with EQ.

That said, any lean muscle mass you make will be high quality. You should be able to retain most of it post the cycle.

#3 – Equipoise makes you crazy vascular and hard

This is where the comparison with Trenbolone probably stems from. Equipoise greatly amplifies vascularity and pumps.

In fact, that’s the first effect that most people begin to notice. It is also one of the reasons why many people prefer running it with wet compounds like Deca and Testosterone.

Deca being a 19-nor is usually not stacked with Trenbolone.

Also, Trenbolone’s side effects deserve an entire article. Not many people can manage them. Some choose to avoid Trenbolone like the plague due to the mental side effects alone. Others hate that Tren can knock the wind out of their cardio. You cannot even run up a flight of stairs when you are using Trenbolone without getting breathless.

This makes other drying compounds like Masteron, Var, Winny and Equipoise popular options to add to such stacks.

Mast and Winny can wreak havoc with your hairline, cause severe muscle cramps and trigger the most unbearable acne that you’ve ever seen. Var is generally considered too weak, which leaves you with EQ.

EQ which can be a terrific compound to run if you are looking for muscle hardness and vascularity while continuing to do cardio.

#4 – You will have to keep an eye on your Hematocrit

EQ, testosterone and Deca is an old, tried and tested stackthat can provide you with great results.

Your strength will increase dramatically. So will your size while EQ will keep your gains dry and vascular.

However, your hematocrit levels can slowly creep up to dangerous levels making your blood as thick as sludge.

In fact, we have seen many users caught unaware with Hematocrit levels way above normal. There’s an easy workaround. Donate blood at regular intervals throughout the cycle. This should help keep the levels in check.

#5 – High doses might be needed to notice the positives

We usually don’t recommend running high doses of any compound. Even if you are running plain old Testosterone, we recommend that you start at 250-300mg/week rather than pinning 500/week to start with.

However, EQ is one of those compounds that will need to be run at high doses for you to even notice some of the positives.

Most people consider 600mg/week to be the sweet spot for them where the rewards overcome the sides.

But, there are others who have run more than a gram of the compound with no noticeable effects. So, 500mg/week might not be enough.

Detailed Information:

Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate)

Overview and History of Equipoise

Equipoise is the brand/trade name for the anabolic steroid Boldenone, which is an oil-based injectable anabolic steroid with the Undecylenate ester attached to it for a prolonged release rate and half-life. It is a derivative of Testosterone that retains Testosterone’s anabolic strength but exhibits a reduced androgenic effect in comparison. Equipoise is primarily a veterinary product, originally intended for use in animals. Equipoise has gained popularity with bodybuilders and athletes as a less androgenic form of Testosterone with less Estrogenic activity than Testosterone as well. Many users enjoy comparing it to that of Nandrolone (Deca Durobolin), however, this comparison is a very poor one seeing as though Nandrolone exhibits different properties than Equipoise and is also a totally different class of compounds (a 19-nor, also known as a progestin). However, many consider Nandrolone and Equipoise to be a solid substitute for one another in any given cycle.

A few interesting facts first about this compound: Equipoise was in fact developed in 1949, even before Dianabol (Methandrostenolone), making Equipoise technically the very first synthetic derivative of Testosterone even before Dianabol was ever thought of. Furthermore, Dianabol itself is actually Equipoise (Boldenone) with a methyl group attached to its 17-beta hydroxyl group on the steroid chemical structure (also known as C17-alpha alkylation) in order to allow it to become orally bioavailable in the body. Technically, Dianabol (Methadienone) is actually C17-alpha alkylated Equipoise. It would have been considered an oral form of Equipoise, but the methylation at the 17th carbon atom changed enough of the properties of the compound that it was considered a totally different anabolic steroid analogue, and named Methandrostenolone (Dianabol). If pictures of the chemical structures of Equipoise and Dianabol were laid out side by side, one would easily be able to tell the exact same chemical structure between the two, with the exception of the methyl group affixed to the 17th carbon on the Dianabol chemical structure. It is very evident that these two anabolic steroids are essentially the exact same.

Although Equipoise was first developed in 1949, it was not until the 1960s when this compound would be finally released and marketed as Parenabol. Between 1949 and its release in the 1960s, Ciba had toyed around with Equipoise by attempting to affix different esters onto it in order to augment its half-life and release rates. The final conclusion was that it would be released with the Undecylenate ester attached to it, and the final preparation was that of Boldenone Undecylenate. Following the release of Parenabol, various clinical trials and testing of this compound was conducted in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the goal in mind to use it as a lean mass promoting and preserving anabolic steroid in order to treat individuals suffering from any condition in which wasting and weight loss were symptoms, as well as an osteoporosis treatment. Parenabol saw very little application or use following its release, and towards the end of the 1970s, it was removed from the market and discontinued.

Squibb would then pick up the patents for this anabolic steroid and re-release Boldenone under the name Equipoise as a veterinary anabolic steroid meant primarily for application in horses but is also intended for use in other animals. Equipoise is well known for its lean mass increases as well as its appetite-stimulant effects, which is an effect common among nearly all anabolic steroids. However, Equipoise tends to stimulate the appetite to far greater degrees than any other anabolic steroids. Although the manufacture and marketing of Equipoise has changed many hands over the years, it still remains available on the American market as well as internationally with plenty of generic brands as well as actual brand names available.

Chemical Characteristics of Equipoise

As previously mentioned, Equipoise is a synthetic derivative of Testosterone where it has been modified at carbon 1 and carbon 2 on the steroid structure, where double-bonds have been added between these two carbon atoms. This is what is known as the modification that is responsible for reducing Equipoise’s affinity for interaction with the aromatase enzyme (the enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens into Estrogen). As a result, its Estrogenic activity is regarded to be lower than Testosterone. Equipoise is Boldenone with the Undecylenate ester attached to it. Specifically, ‘Undecylenate’ is Undecylenoic acid, but once bound to Boldenone it is properly referred to in chemistry as an ester bond (or ester linkage). Undecylenoic acid is chemically bonded to the 17-beta hydroxyl group on the Boldenone structure. The addition of this ester augments the hormone’s release rate and half-life to favor a longer window of release. The primary reason for the augmentation of its half-life and release rate is because once Boldenone Undecylenate enters the bloodstream, enzymes work to break the bond between the ester and the hormone, which takes a varying amount of time. The end result is that of the ester being removed from the hormone by these enzymes, and the result following this is pure Boldenone that is free to do its work in the body. This process of enzymes removing the ester from the hormone to which it is attached is what is responsible for the slower release rates. When the Undecylenate ester is attached to Boldenone, creating Boldenone Undecylenate, the half-life of Boldenone is now extended to 14 days, providing a slower release and activity of the hormone than the hormone otherwise would without this ester.

Additionally, as noted near the beginning of this section, Equipoise and Dianabol are structurally identical with the only difference between the two being that Equipoise contains a the Undecylenate ester attached to its 17-beta hydroxyl group, and Dianabol instead contains a methyl group attached to its 17-beta hydroxyl group. Dianabol contains the methyl group (also known as C17-alpha alkylation) in order to prevent it from being metabolized and broken down by the liver through oral ingestion. Aside from these modifications, the two hormones are exactly identical and would be considered the exact same compounds. However, both of these hormones act significantly different from one another in the body, which is a very strong indication that the addition of a methyl group (C17-alpha alkylation) to the 17th carbon does more than just affect the hormone’s resistance to breakdown in the liver – it actually changes the effects and properties of the anabolic steroid.

Properties of Equipoise

Equipoise being a derivative of Testosterone grants it many of the same properties. For one thing, it possesses the exact same anabolic strength rating (100), and it is also an aromatizable anabolic steroid, which means that Equipoise can and does convert into Estrogen in the body through interaction with the aromatase enzyme. However, its double-bond modifications between carbons 1 and 2 reduce its affinity for the aromatase enzyme, granting it a lower rate of aromatization and therefore a lower Estrogenic activity in the body.

What this means is that Equipoise will still convert into Estrogen, but at a far less significant amount than its parent hormone Testosterone. Although this is a very comforting fact and a pleasing property, the issue of Estrogenic side effects is still an issue and should not be ignored by any users. Therefore, individuals can expect not an elimination of potential water retention, but a vast difference in a reduction of it from Equipoise alone. Although at sensible and moderate doses, Equipoise should not exhibit bloating or any other estrogenic effects (depending on user sensitivity), the risk of these Estrogenic side effects will indeed increase as higher and higher doses of Equipoise are used. Increasing doses will mean increased rates of aromatization of the anabolic steroid into Estrogen.

Equipoise itself possesses a low androgenic strength rating (lower than its progenitor hormone Testosterone), which should be pleasing to individuals whom are sensitive to any number of androgenic side effects. Overall, individuals utilizing Equipoise can expect the same anabolic size, strength, and mass gains that would come from Testosterone with a lower incidence of Estrogenic activity and androgenic side effects. This means that gains from Equipoise itself should, for the most part, be fairly solid lean mass gains with minimal water retention (depending on dose) and would be a perfect addition to any bulking or lean mass cycle. It would even work as an appropriate replacement for Nandrolone in any stack.

Equipoise Side Effects

As previously mentioned, Equipoise expresses a lesser degree of estrogenic activity in the body than Testosterone itself. Studies have demonstrated that approximately half of the aromatization rate is experienced in the body with EQ as compared with Testosterone. Thus, the magnitude of Estrogen-related side effects with Equipoise should be significantly lower than Testosterone, but it is important to note that its estrogenic activity is still higher than Nandrolone (Deca) by a small degree. Of course, if dosages rise, then aromatization (and subsequently, estrogenic effects) will rise in proportion. Usually Equipoise dosages rising above 200 – 400mg per week will result in observable increases in estrogenic side effects. Anti-estrogens and aromatase inhibitors may be necessary in these cases to stave off and ward off these side effects. Estrogenic side effects can include: water retention and bloating, increases in blood pressure (resultant from water retention), increased fat gain/retention, and potential development of gynecomastia.

Androgenic side effects, although much lesser than Testosterone, are still a possibility with Equipoise. Although Equipoise interacts with the 5AR (5-alpha reductase) enzyme, which is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of Testosterone into the stronger androgen DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), it does not convert into DHT but instead converts into Dihydroboldenone (DHB). Although it converts into DHB, studies have found Equipoise to undergo this conversion at a much lower rate than the conversion of Testosterone into DHT. Androgenic side effects can include: increased oily skin (sebum secretion), increased acne formation (linked to sebum secretion), bodily and facial hair growth, and the increased risk of experiencing male pattern baldness (MPB) if the individual possesses the genetic predisposition for it.

Equipoise is not liver toxic, and it does express the same degree of cardiovascular risks and endogenous Testosterone production suppression as most anabolic steroids.

Dosing and Administration of Equipoise

Medical Equipoise dosages and guidelines are nonexistent due to the fact that Equipoise is not currently approved for human use as a medicine. Although it was first utilized very briefly during the 1970s as a human grade medicine, this is no longer the case.

In the bodybuilding and athletic circles, beginner Equipoise dosages are generally in the range of 300 – 500 mg per week, followed by 500 – 700mg per week for intermediate dosages. Equipoise dosages are usually very similar to Testosterone, and venturing higher than the intermediate range is extremely rare, especially when the user is utilizing Equipoise alongside other compounds within a cycle, which should normally be the case.

Female anabolic steroid users might find Equipoise a suitable compound due to its considerably lower androgenic capabilities than Testosterone. In this case, females should find it acceptable to use 50 – 75mg per week. However, an issue that may present itself is Equipoise’s very long half-life of 14 days, which will undoubtedly manifest as a slow reduction of blood plasma levels. With this comes a slow elimination of the compound from the body, and this can be an issue when/if virilization signs and symptoms appear in female users and prompt discontinuation of the drug is paramount.

Being that its half-life is 14 days, it is ideal to split up the weekly dosage into two administrations spaced evenly throughout the week (for example, 500mg per week administered as 250mg on Monday and 250mg on Thursday).

Equipoise Cycles and Uses

EQ cycles are usually run as mass gaining cycles that always involve the use of at least Testosterone in some form (usually the long esters of Testosterone, in order to match-up with EQ’s half-life). This is usually done with either Testosterone Enanthate or Testosterone Cypionate. Equipoise cycles are also normally run for much longer cycle lengths than most other compounds, due to the fact that its longer half-life provides a slower release and peak-time for effects to be seen.

Beginner Equipoise cycles normally involve the use of Testosterone Enanthate (or Cypionate) at around 300 – 500mg per week alongside Equipoise at about 400mg per week. The cycle should be run for a total of 14 weeks. This should provide the user with a considerable amount of mass gains over the long term. Intermediate Equipoise cycles can involve the added use of an oral compound, usually Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) at about 25mg per day. Testosterone Enanthate (or Cypionate) in this case can be reduced to 100mg per week in order to merely maintain normal physiological function, and Equipoise can be run at about 400 – 600mg per week. The Dianabol in this case is run from weeks 1 – 4, and the total cycle length is 12 weeks.

Advanced Equipoise cycles usually do not see the use of EQ at dosages above 600mg per week. Much like the intermediate Equipoise cycles, Testosterone can be run at TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) dosages of around 100mg per week, and an advanced compound can be used alongside everything, such as Trenbolone Enanthate at 400mg per week. Total cycle length would be 12 weeks.

Equipoise (Boldenone)

Chemical Name:1,4-androstadiene-3-one, 17 beta-ol, 1-dehydrotestosterone

Molecular Weight:286.409 g/mol

Formula:C19H26O2

Original Manufacturer:Ciba

Half Life:14 days

Detection Time:4 – 5 months

Anabolic Rating:100

Androgenic Rating:50