Equipoise Guide Boldenone Undecylenate Dosage – Half life – Side Effects

Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate): The Complete Bodybuilder’s Guide

Everything a lifter wants to know — what it is, how it works, dosing, cycles, stacks, bloodwork, side effects, and how to keep results.

Fast Facts (Snapshot)

Compound: Boldenone (Δ1-testosterone) as the Undecylenate ester
Type: Injectable anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS), not 17-aa
Anabolic/Androgenic Ratio: ~100 / ~50 (testosterone is 100/100)
Aromatization: Low to moderate (~40–50% of testosterone)
Half-life (undecylenate): ~14 days (long ester)
Active life: ~3–4 weeks
Detection time: Very long — often 5+ months
Notable effects: Lean mass, appetite increase, vascularity, RBC/hematocrit rise, steady strength

What Is Equipoise?

Equipoise is the trade name for boldenone undecylenate, a testosterone derivative with a double bond between carbon 1 and 2. That structural tweak reduces aromatization and androgenic side effects compared to testosterone, while still delivering solid anabolic results.

The long undecylenate ester makes EQ a “set it and forget it” compound — slow to build up, slow to clear.

Why lifters pick EQ:

Lean, steady gains with less water than traditional bulking compounds
Endurance and work capacity improvements via higher RBC
Increased vascularity and a “dry” look at lower bodyfat
Appetite stimulation, helpful for hard gainers (but can be challenging in a cut)

How Boldenone Works

Like all androgens, boldenone binds to the androgen receptor in muscle tissue, increasing protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, and glycogen storage.

Key EQ traits:

Lower aromatization: About half the conversion rate of testosterone, meaning less estrogen-related bloat.
RBC stimulation: Strong effect on erythropoiesis, increasing hematocrit and oxygen delivery.
5α-reduction: Can convert to dihydroboldenone (DHB), a more potent androgen in certain tissues.

Half-Life, Build-Up, and Detection

Half-life (undecylenate): ~14 days
Peak levels (no frontload): ~4–6 weeks into cycle
Suggested injection frequency: 1–2x per week (2x preferred for stable levels)
Detection window: Several months; not suitable for tested athletes

Expected Results

6–18 lbs leaner mass over a 12–16 week cycle with proper training and diet
Noticeable vascularity at lower bodyfat levels
Steady, gradual strength increases
Improved endurance and work capacity

Dosing & Injection Frequency

Beginner (male): 300–400 mg/week, 2 injections per week, 12–14 weeks
Intermediate: 400–600 mg/week, 2 injections per week, 14–16 weeks
Advanced: 600–800 mg/week, 2 injections per week, 16 weeks max (monitor blood health)
Women: Not generally recommended due to high virilization risk

Frontload option: Double the first week’s dose or use a short-ester kickstart for faster blood level saturation.
Testosterone base: Always include test in an EQ cycle to avoid low-test symptoms.

Example Cycle Templates

1. Lean Gain (12–14 weeks)

Test Enanthate: 350–400 mg/week
Equipoise: 400 mg/week
Optional kickstart: Turinabol 30–40 mg/day (weeks 1–4)
AI as needed, not preemptively

2. Recomp / Athletic Performance (14–16 weeks)

Test Cypionate: 300 mg/week
Equipoise: 500–600 mg/week
Optional: Masteron Enanthate 300 mg/week
Low-dose AI if necessary

3. Cutting (12–14 weeks)

Test Enanthate: 250–300 mg/week
Equipoise: 400–500 mg/week
Winstrol or Anavar: last 6 weeks
AI only as required

4. Old-School Mass (Advanced)

Test Enanthate: 500 mg/week
Equipoise: 600 mg/week
Dianabol: 20–30 mg/day (weeks 1–4)
Monitor BP, lipids, and hematocrit closely

Stacking Notes

Good partners: Testosterone, Turinabol, Anavar, Masteron, low-dose Primobolan
Use caution with: Anadrol, high-dose Dianabol, Trenbolone (BP and RBC load)
Less common pairing: High-dose Primo (similar role to EQ, redundant)

Side Effects & Management

Estrogen balance:

EQ aromatizes lightly; excessive AI use can crash estrogen.
Signs of low estrogen: joint pain, flat pumps, low libido.
Signs of high estrogen: bloating, nipple sensitivity, high BP.

RBC/Hematocrit increase:

EQ often raises hematocrit significantly.
Management: Stay hydrated, perform regular cardio, consider blood donation if medically indicated.

Lipids:

EQ can reduce HDL and raise LDL; mitigate with diet, omega-3s, fiber, and consistent cardio.

Androgenic effects:

Acne, oily skin, hair loss if genetically predisposed.

Liver and kidneys:

Not liver toxic like orals, but monitor enzymes and kidney function.

Women:

High risk of virilization; long ester makes it hard to stop before side effects set in.

Bloodwork Recommendations

Pre-cycle: CBC, CMP, lipid panel, testosterone, SHBG, estradiol, prolactin, blood pressure
Mid-cycle (week 6–8): CBC, CMP, lipid panel, estradiol, blood pressure
End-cycle: Same as mid-cycle to prepare for PCT
Post-cycle: Testosterone, LH, FSH, CBC, lipid panel to verify recovery

PCT Timing After EQ

Because of the long ester, wait 3–4 weeks after the final injection before starting PCT.

Common PCT (4 weeks):

Clomid: 50 mg/day
Nolvadex: 40/40/20/20 mg

Optional: hCG 500–1,000 IU 2–3x/week for 2 weeks before starting SERMs.

EQ vs Other Popular Injectables

Water retention: Low–moderate (EQ), moderate (Test), very low (Primo), moderate (Deca)
RBC increase: High (EQ), moderate (Test), low–moderate (Primo), moderate (Deca)
Strength curve: Slow and steady (EQ), steady (Test), gradual (Primo), steady but “soft” (Deca)
Cosmetic look: Dry/vascular at low BF (EQ), full but softer (Test), very dry/clean (Primo), full but puffy (Deca)
Primary downsides: RBC/BP and long detection (EQ), estrogen control (Test), cost and lipids (Primo), prolactin issues (Deca)

Practical Tips

Split doses twice weekly for smoother levels.
Don’t crash estrogen; EQ already runs lean.
Cardio is essential for BP and lipid control.
Keep electrolyte balance (sodium/potassium) in check.
Plan for blood donation if hematocrit climbs too high.
EQ lingers — plan PCT and future cycles with its clearance in mind.

FAQs

Is EQ good for beginners?
Possibly, but long ester means mistakes last a long time. Test-only cycles are more forgiving for a first run.

Does EQ cause anxiety?
Some users feel “wired,” often from elevated BP or RBC. Monitor and adjust dose if needed.

Will EQ increase appetite?
Yes, often noticeably. Great in a bulk, tricky in a cut.

Why joint pain on EQ?
Usually from low estrogen; ease off AI use.

How long should I run EQ?
12–16 weeks is typical. Shorter runs often underdeliver.

Can women use EQ?
Possible at very low doses, but high virilization risk and long ester make it risky.

Bottom Line

Equipoise is a steady, long-term builder for lean mass, vascularity, and endurance. Respect its impact on hematocrit and blood pressure, keep estrogen in range, run a testosterone base, and plan longer cycles with full lab monitoring.