Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate)

Equipoise (often called EQ) is the trade name for Boldenone Undecylenate. It is a veterinary steroid originally developed for horses to increase lean body weight and appetite.

In bodybuilding, it is often viewed as a direct alternative to Deca-Durabolin, though their mechanisms differ. EQ is known for producing slow, steady gains with very low water retention, making it a favorite for long bulking cycles where quality is prioritized over sheer scale weight.

Quick Specs

Mechanism of Action

Boldenone is chemically very similar to Testosterone, differing only by a double bond at the carbon 1 and 2 positions. This modification drastically reduces its affinity for the aromatase enzyme (converting to estrogen at about 50% the rate of testosterone) and lowers its androgenic strength.

It creates a favorable anabolic environment by increasing nitrogen retention, protein synthesis, and notably, erythropoietin (EPO) release in the kidneys.

Pharmacokinetics & Dosing

Half-Life: ~14 Days

The Undecylenate ester is very long.

• Kick-in: It takes a notoriously long time to saturate blood levels—often 6 to 8 weeks before users "feel" the drug working.
• Cycle Length: Because of the slow onset, EQ cycles are almost never run for less than 12 weeks, with 16-20 weeks being common.
• Front Loading: Many advanced users use the Cycle Plotter to calculate a "front load" (double dose on week 1) to reach peak saturation faster.

Primary Effects

1. Appetite Increase

EQ is famous for causing a ravenous appetite. This makes it invaluable for "hard gainers" who struggle to consume enough calories to grow during a bulk.

2. Endurance (RBC Production)

Boldenone stimulates red blood cell production more potently than almost any other steroid. This increases oxygen-carrying capacity, resulting in massive pumps and insane cardiovascular endurance.

3. Lean, Vascular Gains

Gains are slow but dry. The vascularity (vein visibility) from EQ is distinct, often attributed to the thinning of the skin and increased blood volume.

Side Effects & Harm Reduction

1. Hematocrit (Thick Blood)

Because it boosts RBCs so effectively, it can thicken the blood (polycythemia) to dangerous levels, increasing stroke risk.

• Management: Regular bloodwork to monitor Hematocrit is mandatory. If levels exceed 52-54%, blood donation (phlebotomy) is required.

2. Low Estrogen Symptoms

While EQ aromatizes slowly, it doesn't build up estrogen quickly. If run with a low dose of testosterone, users may crash their estrogen (due to the ester weight ratio), leading to dry joints and low libido.

3. Kidney Stress

High blood pressure and blood thickness can strain the kidneys over long cycles.

Tracking Equipoise

Using the Anabolic Tracker app:

1. Inventory: Add Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate).
2. Scheduling: Once or Twice Weekly. Due to the large volume of oil often required (doses range from 400-800mg+), split dosing helps manage injection volume.
3. Metrics: Track Appetite (1-10) and Blood Pressure daily.
4. Bloodwork: Critical marker: Hematocrit/RBC.