What Is Boldenone Undecylenate?

Boldenone Undecylenate is an injectable anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from testosterone, commonly known by its veterinary trade name Equipoise (EQ). Originally developed to promote weight gain and appetite in horses, it has been adopted off-label in human performance circles for its moderate anabolic effects and relatively manageable side effect profile.

Unlike many 17α-alkylated oral steroids, boldenone is not hepatotoxic because it lacks the liver-stressing modification at the 17th carbon position. However, it remains a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act and is banned by all major sports organizations, including WADA.

According to Anabolics by William Llewellyn—one of the most comprehensive technical references on steroid pharmacology—boldenone exerts its effects through strong binding affinity to the androgen receptor, moderate nitrogen retention, and stimulation of erythropoietin (EPO), leading to increased red blood cell production.

🔗 William Llewellyn – Anabolics (Amazon)

How Does Boldenone Work in the Body?

Boldenone functions through multiple physiological pathways that contribute to muscle growth, endurance, and recovery.

Key Mechanisms:

• Increased Nitrogen Retention: Promotes positive nitrogen balance, creating an anabolic environment conducive to protein synthesis.
• Appetite Stimulation: One of the most notable traits—users often report significantly increased hunger, which can support caloric surplus during bulking phases.
• Erythropoiesis Enhancement: Stimulates red blood cell production → improves oxygen delivery → enhances stamina and work capacity.
• Moderate Aromatization: Converts to estrogen at about 50% the rate of testosterone, meaning gynecomastia risk exists but is generally lower than with high-dose Test E.
• Glucocorticoid Suppression: May reduce catabolic cortisol activity, helping preserve lean mass during calorie deficits.

A study published in The Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics titled “Pharmacokinetics of Boldenone in Humans After Single and Repeated Intramuscular Administration” demonstrated detectable levels up to 5 months post-injection, highlighting its long detection window.

🔗 Pharmacokinetics of Boldenone in Humans

Dr. Eric Helms (PhD, CSCS) notes:
“Boldenone doesn’t deliver overnight miracles like Dianabol, but it builds quality tissue over time with fewer acute sides. Think slow cooker, not microwave.”

🔗 Dr. Eric Helms – 3D Muscle Journey

How Long Should a Boldenone Cycle Last?

Due to its long half-life (~14 days), boldenone takes time to accumulate in the system. This means short cycles are ineffective.

Recommended Cycle Lengths:

Why 12 Weeks Minimum?
It takes approximately 5–6 weeks for boldenone to reach stable blood levels. Users often don’t feel full effects until Week 6–8.

❌ Shorter cycles (e.g., 8 weeks) fail to leverage EQ’s potential and still carry suppression risks.

Tip: Inject every 3.5 days (e.g., Mon/Thu) instead of weekly to maintain more stable concentrations.

Boldenone Dosage Guidelines by Experience Level

Dosage should be individualized, but general patterns exist across user groups.

Note: Doses above 600 mg/week show diminishing returns while increasing side effects such as elevated hematocrit and LDL cholesterol.

Clinical Insight:
A review in Clinical Kinesiology found that doses beyond 600 mg/week provided minimal additional anabolism but significantly worsened lipid profiles.

🔗 Effects of High-Dose Androgens on Lipid Metabolism

What Results Can You Expect from a Boldenone Cycle?

One of the top questions searched: “How much muscle can you gain on EQ?”

While individual variation is significant, aggregated data from clinical studies and community reports provide realistic benchmarks.

Average Gains After a 14-Week Cycle:

Real User Experience (r/steroids):

“Ran EQ 500 mg + Test 500 mg for 14 weeks. Gained 11 lbs, strength exploded. Felt stronger longer. Only downside was uncontrollable hunger.”
— u/BulkEngineActivated

Blood Work Observations:

• Hematocrit ↑ (due to RBC stimulation)
• HDL ↓ (cardiovascular risk marker)
• Estradiol ↑ (requires AI if symptomatic)

⚠️ These changes underscore the importance of pre-cycle and mid-cycle blood work.

Best Boldenone (EQ) Stacks: By Goal

Stacking Boldenone (EQ) with other compounds can amplify specific outcomes—whether it’s building mass, enhancing definition, or improving recovery. However, each added compound increases physiological stress and potential side effects.

1. Boldenone (EQ) + Testosterone – The Foundation Stack

• Purpose: Balanced bulking, ideal for first-time users
• Dosage:
  • Boldenone (EQ): 500 mg/week
  • Testosterone Enanthate/Cypionate: 500 mg/week
• Cycle Length: 14 weeks
• Ancillaries: Aromatase inhibitor (AI) like Arimidex if estrogenic symptoms arise (e.g., water retention, gyno)

Why It Works:
Testosterone provides full androgenic support—maintaining libido, energy, and mood—while EQ enhances appetite, red blood cell production, and nitrogen retention. This combination delivers steady, high-quality gains without extreme sides.

💬 Dr. Thomas O’Connor (“The Anabolic Doc”) notes:
“If you’re going to run EQ, never do it solo. You need a testosterone base to avoid crashing post-cycle.”

🔗 The Anabolic Doc Podcast – “Cycling with Safety”

Blood Work Tip: Monitor hematocrit—both compounds increase RBC count, raising polycythemia risk.

2. Boldenone (EQ) + Deca Durabolin – Joint-Friendly Mass Builder

• Boldenone (EQ): 500 mg/week
• Deca Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate): 400 mg/week
• Duration: 16 weeks
• AI Use: Optional (Deca has lower aromatization than testosterone)
• PCT Required: Yes—hCG priming recommended pre-SERM

Benefits:

• Strong synergistic effect on muscle growth
• Collagen synthesis stimulation → improved joint comfort
• Appetite boost from EQ complements Deca’s anabolic power

Risks:

• Long suppression window (Deca clears slowly)
• Progesterone-related sides (can convert to prolactin)
• Lipid profile deterioration common

According to Anabolics by William Llewellyn, this stack was popular in the 1990s bodybuilding era due to its ability to pack on size while keeping joints functional under heavy training loads.

🔗 William Llewellyn – Anabolics (Amazon)

Real User Experience (r/SteroidCycle):

“Ran EQ/Deca for 16 weeks. Gained 14 lbs, squats went up 70 lbs. Joints felt great even during high-volume leg days.”

3. Boldenone (EQ) + Trenbolone – Aggressive Strength & Density Combo

• Boldenone (EQ): 400 mg/week
• Trenbolone Enanthate: 300–400 mg/week
• Cycle Length: 10–12 weeks
• Ancillaries:
  • AI (tren doesn’t aromatize but causes strong progestogenic activity)
  • Cabergoline (for prolactin control)
  • CBD or low-dose benzodiazepine (for anxiety/sleep)

Benefits:

• Extreme muscle density and vascularity
• Significant fat loss due to metabolic rate stimulation
• Appetite maintained despite tren’s catabolic nature

Risks:

• Insomnia, night sweats, anxiety (“tren cough” possible with injection)
• Cardiovascular strain (increased resting heart rate)
• Mental instability in predisposed individuals

Expert Warning:
Dr. Rand McClain, DO (Regenerative Medicine Specialist):
“I’ve seen men break down mentally on tren. When stacked with boldenone—which increases RBCs—you’re compounding cardiovascular risk. Not for beginners.”
— Levitt Medical

4. Boldenone (EQ) + Primobolan (Primo) – Lean Hardening Stack

• Boldenone (EQ): 400 mg/week
• Primobolan Enanthate: 600 mg/week
• Cycle Length: 12–14 weeks
• AI Use: Rarely needed (Primo is mildly anti-estrogenic)
• PCT: Clomid 50 mg/day × 4–6 weeks

Advantages:

• Primo reduces gynecomastia risk and enhances muscular hardness
• Minimal water retention = ideal for stage prep or lean phases
• Smoother estrogen balance compared to heavier stacks

Drawbacks:

• Expensive per milligram
• Gains are slower and more subtle
• Frequent injections required (if using Primo propionate)

Community Feedback (ThinkSteroids.com):

“Used this before my local show. Looked dry, vascular, and full. No bloat whatsoever. Just painful shots twice a week!” — Member: IronHive

5. Boldenone (EQ) + Masteron Propionate – Pre-Contest Definition Stack

• Boldenone (EQ): 400 mg/week
• Masteron (Drostanolone Propionate): 300–400 mg/week (every other day)
• Cycle Length: 8–10 weeks
• PCT: Standard SERM protocol post-cycle

Benefits:

• Anti-estrogenic properties reduce gyno risk
• Enhances muscular hardness and definition
• Minimal water retention = sharp look pre-contest

Limitations:

• Requires frequent injections (short ester)
• Androgenic side effects (acne, hair loss)
• Less effective for bulking

Expert Insight:
Chase Irons, PhD (Endocrinology Educator):
“Masteron works best when paired with a compound that offsets its lack of volume. That’s where EQ shines—it keeps you fed and recovered while Masteron sculpts the look.”

🔗 Chase Irons – YouTube Channel

Popular Boldenone (EQ) Stacks by Goal

Note: Female use of these compounds carries high risk of virilization and is not medically advised outside controlled clinical settings. 

Can You Use Boldenone for Cutting?

Despite being labeled a “bulking agent,” some users explore EQ during cutting phases.

Reality Check:

• Not ideal for pure cutting due to appetite stimulation and moderate water retention
• However, useful in recomposition or lean bulk phases
• Benefits:
  • Maintains strength during deficit
  • Reduces catabolism
  • Improves recovery
• Drawbacks:
  • Hunger makes diet adherence harder
  • May obscure definition if body fat >12%

Best Use Case: Recomp phase — maintaining muscle while slowly losing fat

Is Boldenone Safe for Women?

No AAS are approved for female use, but many ask: Can women run EQ?

Risks:

• Moderate androgenic rating (50 vs. 100 for testosterone)
• Virilization signs include:
  • Voice deepening
  • Facial hair growth
  • Clitoral enlargement
• Onset can be rapid and irreversible

Most experts advise against use.

If used at all:

• Dose: 50–100 mg every other week
• Max cycle length: 6 weeks
• Discontinue immediately upon early signs

Dr. Abby Lock states:
“There’s no safe dose of boldenone for women. Once virilization starts, it doesn’t reverse. Safer options exist—like Anavar or Primobolan—for those seeking mild enhancement.”

🔗 The Anabolic Doc – Female PED Use

When to Start PCT After a Boldenone Cycle

Because boldenone suppresses natural testosterone production, PCT is necessary after meaningful cycles (>8 weeks or supraphysiological doses).

Due to its ~14-day half-life, timing must be precise.

PCT Start Timeline:

Why This Matters: SERMs like Clomid and Nolvadex only work when exogenous hormones have sufficiently cleared the system.

Example: After a 14-week EQ cycle, begin PCT on Day 17 post-final shot.

Recommended PCT Protocols

Beginner (EQ + Test, 12–14 Weeks):

• Clomid: 50 mg/day × 4 weeks
• Or Nolvadex: 40 mg/day × 2 weeks → 20 mg/day × 2 weeks

Intermediate (EQ + Deca/Tren):

• hCG Priming: 500 IU every other day × 2–3 weeks starting Day 3 post-cycle
• Then: Clomid 50 mg/day × 6 weeks

Advanced (Long or High-Dose Cycles):

• hCG 750 IU EOD × 3 weeks
• Followed by Clomid 50 mg/day × 6 weeks
• Optional: Low-dose hCG during PCT (250 IU EOD) to maintain testicular sensitivity

Monitoring: Get blood work at Week 6 and Week 10 post-PCT:

• Total/free testosterone
• LH, FSH
• Estradiol
• CBC (hematocrit)
• Lipid panel

🔗 Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Late-Onset Hypogonadism in Males

Side Effects & Health Risks

Even moderate compounds carry risks.

Common Side Effects:

• Acne, oily skin
• Water retention
• Increased libido → mood swings
• Elevated hematocrit (polycythemia risk)
• Suppressed HDL (“good”) cholesterol

Serious Risks:

• Cardiovascular strain (especially when stacked with Tren)
• Liver stress (indirect via lipid changes)
• Infertility (often reversible post-PCT)
• Long detection time (~5 months) — relevant for tested athletes

📉 Reddit Report (u/EQAftermath):

“Ran EQ 600 mg/week for 16 weeks. Hematocrit hit 52%. Had to donate blood monthly. Won’t skip monitoring again.”

🔗 r/pedtalk – “My Boldenone Experience”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Boldenone better than Deca?

Depends on goal. EQ has less progestogenic activity and better appetite stimulation, but Deca is gentler on joints and less likely to raise hematocrit.

Does Boldenone cause gyno?

Yes, due to aromatization. Manage with AI (e.g., Arimidex) if symptoms arise.

How long does Boldenone stay in your system?

Up to 5 months — longer than testosterone. Detection windows vary based on dose and metabolism.

Can I run Boldenone without testosterone?

Technically yes, but not advisable. EQ suppresses natural T and lacks full androgenic support needed for libido, energy, and mood.

Does Boldenone shut down natural testosterone?

Yes — all supraphysiological AAS do. Expect full HPTA suppression after 8+ weeks.

Is Boldenone liver toxic?

No direct hepatotoxicity (not 17aa), but indirect lipid damage possible. Regular blood work is essential.

Experts Weigh In: Medical & Scientific Perspectives

Insights from trusted voices in medicine and science.

Dr. Michael Scally, MD – Endocrinologist & PED Researcher

“Boldenone is deceptively mild-looking but carries real cardiovascular risks due to RBC stimulation. Users underestimate cumulative strain.”

🔗 ResearchGate Profile – Dr. Michael Scally

Greg Doucette (YouTube Educator)

“I’ve seen guys feel amazing on EQ — until their blood pressure spiked. Always get labs.”

🔗 Greg Doucette – “Truth About Steroids”

Chase Irons, PhD – Endocrinology Educator

“Recovery isn’t passive. It requires strategy, patience, and data. Don’t just follow bro-science — understand the physiology.”

🔗 Chase Irons – YouTube Channel