Equipoise – the horse steroid
Equipoise, commonly known as Boldenone Undecylenate, is a long-acting injectable anabolic steroid that has been widely used in both veterinary and human applications. Originally developed as a veterinary drug to increase lean muscle mass and appetite in horses, Equipoise has since gained popularity among bodybuilders and athletes for its ability to promote steady, lean muscle gains, increase vascularity, and enhance endurance.
Mechanism of Action
Equipoise is chemically similar to testosterone, but it exhibits a lower androgenic rating and does not aromatize as aggressively into estrogen (it converts to a form of estriol, more information on that later). This means it provides a balance between moderate muscle growth, increased strength, and reduced estrogenic side effects.
Benefits of Equipoise
Lean Muscle Mass Gains
Unlike fast-acting bulking steroids like Dianabol or Anadrol, Equipoise promotes slow, quality muscle growth. Users can expect steady gains in lean muscle mass without excessive water retention or bloating.
Increased Vascularity and Muscle Hardness
Equipoise enhances vascularity by increasing red blood cell production, making it a favorite among athletes and bodybuilders looking for a drier, more defined physique.
Boosted Endurance and Stamina
Due to its erythropoietic effects (increased red blood cell count), Equipoise is particularly beneficial for endurance athletes, allowing for better oxygen transport and longer, more intense workouts.
Appetite Stimulation
One of Equipoise’s unique benefits is its ability to increase appetite, which can be useful for those in bulking phases struggling to consume enough calories for muscle growth. However, this effect varies between individuals.
Minimal Estrogenic Side Effects
Equipoise aromatizes into a unique form of estrogen that does not exert traditional estrogenic side-effects like water retention, gynecomastia, acne and more. In fact, this form of estrogen can counteract high estradiol levels, making Equipoise an effective anti-estrogen when paired with Testosterone and other compounds that aromatize into estradiol.
Potential Side Effects
While Equipoise is considered milder than many other anabolic steroids, it still carries potential risks, especially when used improperly:
Testosterone Suppression
Moderate Suppression of Natural Testosterone – Equipoise will suppress natural testosterone production, requiring Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) after use.
Increased Red Blood Cell Count (“Thick Blood”)
Equipoise significantly raises red blood cell production, which can increase blood viscosity (thick blood) and raise the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues and kidney damage.ç
Recommended Dosage and Cycle Length
Equipoise has a long half-life (~14 days) due to the undecylenate ester, meaning it requires infrequent injections:
Beginner Dose: 300–400 mg per week – Produces steady lean gains with minimal side effects.
Intermediate Dose: 500–600 mg per week – Ideal for users looking for a balance between size and endurance.
Advanced Dose: 700–900 mg per week – Used by advanced bodybuilders, but carries a higher risk of side effects.
Cycle Length: 12–16 weeks. Due to its long half-life, Equipoise should be run for longer cycles to see full benefits. Short cycles (under 8 weeks) are ineffective due to slow onset of action.
Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate) is one of the most versatile anabolic steroids, offering steady, high-quality muscle growth, increased endurance, and enhanced vascularity with no estrogenic side effects. Unlike AAS that deliver rapid but bloated gains, Equipoise is preferred for slow, consistent improvements in both size and performance. However, due to its long half-life, users must commit to longer cycles and monitor their red blood cell levels.
When used responsibly, Equipoise can be a valuable tool for athletes and bodybuilders looking to optimize their physique and performance.
