Boldenone Undecylenate, commonly known by its veterinary trade name Equipoise (EQ), carries a range of physiological and hormonal side effects—some common, others serious—even though it is often perceived as “milder” than compounds like testosterone or trenbolone.
The most frequently reported side effects include:
Unlike many oral steroids, boldenone is not hepatotoxic because it lacks the 17α-alkylated modification that stresses the liver. However, due to its long half-life (~14 days), side effects can persist for months after discontinuation.
According to Anabolics by William Llewellyn—one of the most comprehensive technical references on steroid pharmacology—boldenone aromatizes at approximately 50% the rate of testosterone, meaning estrogenic side effects like gynecomastia are possible but less frequent than with high-dose Test E.
🔗 William Llewellyn – Anabolics (Amazon)
Up to 5 months, making it one of the longest-detectable anabolic steroids available.
Due to its extended half-life (~14 days), boldenone accumulates slowly and clears even more gradually from the body.
| Test type | Detection window |
| Urine Test | Up to 5 months |
| Blood Test | Detectable for ~4–6 months |
| WADA Screening | Can flag use beyond 100+ days |
A peer-reviewed study titled “Pharmacokinetics of Boldenone in Humans After Single and Repeated Intramuscular Administration” demonstrated detectable metabolites up to 140 days post-injection, confirming its prolonged presence.
🔗 Pharmacokinetics of Boldenone in Humans
⚠️ This has significant implications for tested athletes, military personnel, and those subject to workplace drug screening.
Even though EQ is derived from testosterone, it suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA), leading to several reversible—and sometimes persistent—side effects.
Monitoring Recommendations:
Blood work should include:
Source: Cleveland Clinic guidelines on male hormone evaluation.
🔗 Cleveland Clinic – Male Hypogonadism Diagnosis
Yes — if you’re genetically predisposed to androgenic alopecia.
Boldenone has an androgenic rating of 50 (vs. 100 for testosterone), meaning it binds moderately to androgen receptors in the scalp.
While weaker than DHT or trenbolone, it can still accelerate hair thinning in susceptible users.
Real User Report (r/steroids):
“Started shedding around Week 8. I have a strong family history of baldness. Should’ve used finasteride, but didn’t think EQ would hit me this hard.”
Foundational knowledge in The Steroid Bible by Steve Gallaway notes that all androgenic compounds carry some risk of hair loss in predisposed individuals.
🔗 Steve Gallaway – The Steroid Bible (Amazon)
Many users ask: “Does equipoise make you tired?” or “How does EQ affect mood?”
Despite being considered psychologically stable compared to harsher agents like trenbolone, boldenone still impacts brain chemistry through hormonal shifts.
Expert Insight (Dr. Eric Helms, PhD, CSCS):
“Any compound that alters hormone balance will impact mood. EQ isn’t known for severe mental sides like tren, but suppression post-cycle can cause depression and cognitive fog.”
🔗 Dr. Eric Helms – 3D Muscle Journey
Forum Feedback (ThinkSteroids.com):
“Felt amazing on EQ—strong, vascular, hungry. But 6 weeks post-PCT, I was depressed, tired, couldn’t focus. Took 4 months to feel normal again.”
One of the most concerning side effects: elevated blood pressure.
Medical Advisory (Mayo Clinic):
“Chronic elevation in hematocrit increases risk of thrombosis, stroke, and myocardial infarction—especially in dehydrated states common during intense training or dieting.”
🔗 Mayo Clinic – Polycythemia Vera and Thrombosis Risk
Real User Experience (UGBodybuilding):
“Ran EQ 500 mg/week for 14 weeks. My BP went from 120/80 to 148/92. Had no idea until I donated blood and they flagged my hematocrit at 52%.”
Beyond the major concerns, several other physical reactions are commonly reported.
| Week | Observed changes |
| 1–2 | No noticeable changes |
| 3–4 | Slight increase in oiliness, appetite rising |
| 5–6 | First signs of acne, BP begins creeping up |
| 7–8 | Vascularity increases, possible early hair shedding |
| 9–12 | Hematocrit rises, mood swings possible |
| 13–14 | Final injections; BP peaks, libido high |
| 16+ | Post-cycle fatigue, low energy, depression (if no PCT) |
Tip: Inject every 3.5 days (e.g., Mon/Thu) for more stable levels.
Compare EQ to common alternatives based on mechanism, speed, sides, and goals.
| Compound | Estrogenic risk | Androgenic risk | Cardiovascular risk | Best for |
| Boldenone (EQ) | Moderate | Medium | High (due to RBC ↑) | Off-season, recomp |
| Testosterone Enanthate | High | High | Medium-High | Beginners, bulking |
| Deca Durabolin | Low | Low | Medium (progesterone-related) | Bulking, older users |
| Trenbolone | None | Very High | High (mental/cardio) | Cutting, density |
| Anavar (Oxandrolone) | None | Low | Low | Women, pre-contest |
| Primobolan | None | Low | Low | Contest prep |
Foundational comparison in The Steroid Bible by Steve Gallaway emphasizes EQ’s balance between efficacy and tolerability.
🔗 Steve Gallaway – The Steroid Bible (Amazon)
Even moderate compounds require oversight.
Recommendation: Baseline labs pre-cycle, optional mid-cycle test at Week 8, follow-up at Week 10 post-PCT.
Source: Cleveland Clinic guidelines on male hormone evaluation.
🔗 Cleveland Clinic – Male Hypogonadism Diagnosis
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Yes, due to aromatization. Manage with AI (e.g., Arimidex) if symptoms arise.
Up to 5 months — longer than testosterone. Detection windows vary by dose and metabolism.
Technically yes, but not advisable. EQ suppresses natural T and lacks full androgenic support needed for libido, energy, and mood.
No direct hepatotoxicity (not 17aa), but indirect lipid damage possible. Regular blood work is essential.
Yes — all supraphysiological AAS do. Expect full HPTA suppression after 8+ weeks.
It was originally marketed under the brand name Equipoise for veterinary use in horses.
Add credibility through expert commentary.
🔗 Dr. Kyle Gillett – Barbell Medicine Podcast
Anonymized summaries from real discussions.
⚠️ Reminder: Individual responses vary widely. These are not guaranteed outcomes.
