Equipoise (Boldenone) — Veterinary Anabolic Steroid — Anabolic Steroids
Veterinary AAS structurally similar to testosterone, known for steady lean mass gains and erythropoiesis stimulation.
Overview
Boldenone undecylenate (Equipoise) is an anabolic-androgenic steroid originally developed for veterinary use in horses. Structurally, boldenone is testosterone with an added double bond at the C1-2 position, which reduces its androgenic potency while maintaining moderate anabolic activity (anabolic:androgenic ratio ~100:50). Boldenone has never been approved for human medical use by any regulatory agency. In veterinary medicine, it is used to promote lean body mass and appetite in debilitated horses. Boldenone is notable for its strong stimulation of erythropoietin (EPO) production, leading to significant increases in red blood cell production — often more pronounced than other AAS. This erythropoietic effect improves oxygen-carrying capacity and endurance but also raises hematocrit, potentially increasing the risk of polycythemia and thrombotic events. Boldenone undecylenate has a very long half-life (approximately 14 days) due to the undecylenate ester, requiring infrequent injection but also resulting in prolonged detection times and slow clearance. It aromatizes to estrogen at approximately 50% the rate of testosterone, producing mild estrogenic effects. In bodybuilding, Equipoise is valued for providing slow, steady, quality lean mass gains with minimal water retention.
Indications
- Veterinary use: Lean mass and appetite promotion in horses
- No approved human medical indications
- Unapproved: Lean mass gains and endurance (bodybuilding use)
- Unapproved: Red blood cell and appetite stimulation
Mechanism of Action
C1-2 double bond modification reduces androgenic potency while maintaining anabolic activity and slowing aromatization rate
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boldenone Undecylenate | 300-600 mg | Once weekly | Common bodybuilding dose range — NO clinical evidence |
Safety & Contraindications
- Significant erythropoiesis — hematocrit elevation and polycythemia risk
- Very long detection time (up to 18 months) in anti-doping tests
- Mild estrogenic effects (~50% aromatization rate of testosterone)
- Increased appetite — may be desired or undesired depending on goals
- HPG axis suppression with prolonged recovery due to long half-life
- Anxiety and elevated blood pressure reported
- No human safety data from clinical trials
- Schedule III controlled substance