The use of steroids and supplements for achieving desired body goals isn’t an alien phenomenon.
But as you may already know, there are plenty of such products which have more cons than pros. And the disadvantages may be particularly difficult to decipher for first-time users.
So, is Equipoise another one of those gimmicky supplements that do more harm than good? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
What Is Equipoise?
If you’re new to powerlifting or bodybuilding, then you may not be familiar with Equipoise, as it’s not really talked about. But that doesn’t make it any less worthy, so allow us to introduce it to you!
“Equipoise” is essentially used to refer to Boldenone Undecylenate, which is a testosterone-based anabolic synthetic hormone or steroid. It can be used by both males and females to improve their physical performance, help grow muscle mass, as well as make the cutting phase more effective. Not only that, but it may also aid muscle strength and harden them to give you a leaner body.
The primary purpose of this steroid is to facilitate better protein synthesis by your muscles along with proper nitrogen retention. Its ester (Undecylenate) releases the compound slowly yet continuously into your bloodstream for about three weeks once injected.
Although Equipoise doesn’t provide extreme muscle power like testosterone, it still has many benefits minus the chances of experiencing serious side effects. In fact, this makes it one of the best steroids for beginners who want to build a lean physique without any severe side effects. As for experienced users, they can combine Equipoise with other steroids to achieve the desired goals.
Moreover, some people may experience other advantages like increased bone density, RBC (red blood cell) count, and mineral retention, among others. We will talk in detail about the main benefits in a later section, so keep reading!
Perhaps, the best thing about this steroid is its non-toxic nature. Hence, you don’t have to worry about liver or kidney damage while taking it in the right amounts according to your body composition.
Equipoise- A Brief History
Before we dive into the other sections, we thought it’s only fair to tell you a little about the inception of Equipoise.
Winthrop Laboratories is credited for the development of this steroid (called Boldenone Undecylenate then) and its subsequent release on the market in the late 1950s. However, Pfizer took up its distribution just a few years later in the early 1960s and sold it as “Equipoise,” which is the commonly known name today.
Equipoise was initially administered to anemic horses to improve their RBC count. But the steroid soon began to be used by athletes once its benefits for humans were discovered.
Even today, it’s one of the only steroids that are suitable for use on animals. However, it has been banned for use by athletes who want to boost their performance artificially for competitions.
How Does Equipoise Work?
Once inside the body, Equipoise attaches to the androgen receptors in your muscle cells and contributes to muscle growth. At the same time, it signals these receptors to promote better nitrogen retention for effective protein synthesis, which also helps your muscles grow.
Unlike testosterone, this “mild anabolic” steroid doesn’t convert into estrogen. Instead, it functions to bridge the gap between different steroid cycles to boost testosterone and help you put on lean muscles.
Additionally, the compound promotes RBC production and improved hemoglobin levels, thereby directing more oxygen to your muscles. Not only does this aid stronger muscles, but it also enhances your physical endurance, allowing you to work out for longer without feeling tired or fatigued.
What Are The Benefits Of Equipoise?
We’ve already walked you through some of the benefits of this synthetic steroid in the above sections. But there are several more advantages that make it one of the most versatile options for novices and pro bodybuilders. Some of them include:
1. Facilitates Mass Gain
Although Equipoise doesn’t help you gain muscle mass like some of the more potent steroids do on their own, it may still give you cleaner and leaner muscles. This means that the compound can aid the steady increase of muscle mass without any anabolic side effect like water retention or unwanted weight gain, when used in the right amounts.
However, Equipoise works as a “slow” muscle gainer, so it’s best used in combination with other muscle mass gaining supplements for the purpose. In short, don’t rely on it as the main compound to facilitate muscle mass gain.
2. Appetite Boost
The appetite-boosting effect of this steroid isn’t experienced by every user, but it can still be used as an advantage. If you’re on the gaining cycle (during off-season bulking), you can put on muscle mass more effectively in a short span.
That said, some users may experience this effect slowly over the course of a few days, so you may want to remain patient.
3. Improved Strength And Endurance
Again, Equipoise alone can’t give you the required strength and endurance to perform well in the gym. However, it can still contribute to your body goals by making the muscles stronger and improving your physical endurance. Additionally, it can reduce your muscle recovery time so that you can work out for longer without any interruptions.
One thing to note here is that these benefits may not be very noticeable when used with other powerful steroids. But you can rest assured that it will improve their overall efficiency.
Side Effects Of Equipoise
Equipoise, albeit a milder version of testosterone steroids, isn’t completely free from side effects. However, they will be less intense than the anabolic side effects experienced from the use of other steroids.
When used in unregulated amounts, Equipoise can cause:
1. Fluid (Water) Retention
Water retention is a common side effect of anabolic steroids, and taking Equipoise in very high amounts can cause the same. Or, using powerful testosterone steroids in tandem with it can make your muscles retain more water than usual.
In some cases, excess water retention can lead to increased blood pressure levels. The good news is that most people who experience these side effects can take AI (aromatase inhibitor) or SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator) drugs. These can bring down the level of free estrogen and reduce the said symptoms.
2. Acne And Baldness
Equipoise users who are naturally prone to developing acne or baldness (mainly due to genetic or certain medical conditions) may notice these problems aggravating. This is especially true for female users taking Equipoise in high doses.
Moreover, they may become susceptible to developing male characteristics like excess body hair, a deeper voice, or unwanted muscle bulking.
3. Increased Cholesterol Levels
This side effect is generally experienced by people who have existing cholesterol problems, as the regular use of Equipoise can reduce your HDL (High-density Lipoprotein) levels. Increased HDL absorbs the bad cholesterol and sends it back to the liver, which then flushes it. This, in turn, reduces the chances of strokes and heart diseases.
Combining Equipoise with other steroids that can contribute to high cholesterol levels will require regulated doses, a healthy diet, and some high-intensity cardio workouts.
4. Low Testosterone
Aside from lowering estrogen, Equipoise can reduce the level of free testosterone in male bodies, causing weakness, low sex drive, weight gain, and hair loss. Hence, many male Equipoise users prefer including a testosterone-boosting steroid or supplement while taking it. Likewise, opting for post-cycle treatment can normalize testosterone levels.
5. Toxicity In Liver
We know you’re thinking that we’re contradicting our previous statement (of Equipoise being non-toxic), but hear us out.
Combining this supplement with hepatotoxic supplements (those containing ingredients that may cause chemical-driven liver damage) can result in the build-up of toxins in your liver. So, always check the ingredients of the supplements you plan to include in the cycle and get in touch with a doctor if you aren’t sure about their effects.
Some other side effects of Equipoise are:
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Headaches
- Pain in joints and muscles
The Equipoise Cycle
Now that you have a good idea about this supplement, let us help you figure out the best Equipoise cycle.
1. For Beginners
If you’re just starting out, then consider combining Equipoise with a testosterone supplement. Remember that this can cause some anabolic effects like fast muscle gain, so be careful about your diet and workout regime.
Since the benefits of Equipoise are usually rendered slowly, the cycle may last for about 12 to 14 weeks for beginners. During this period, you may want to take about 400mg of this supplement weekly, along with 300 to 500 mg of a testosterone supplement per week.
This combination is generally considered safe for novices, and it helps in the cutting phase as well as achieving lean muscles, depending on your diet and workout.
2. For Intermediates
Intermediates will want to add a potent oral anabolic supplement (like Dianabol) to the Equipoise and t-supplement pair for a 12-week cycle. The new addition will speed up muscle gains during the first 4 weeks, after which it can be discontinued.
In hindsight, the anabolic supplement will allow you to put on muscle mass without wasting the first few weeks waiting for Equipoise to kick in.
As for the dosage, we’d suggest consuming the anabolic supplement in daily doses of 25mg. On the other hand, the weekly dose of Equipoise should range between 500 and 600mg, and the t-supplement should be consumed at about 100mg weekly.
3. For Advanced Users
Regular steroid users prefer adding a non-aromatizing steroid with the Equipoise and testosterone steroids to make the cycle more versatile. As a result, you can achieve any goal, from cutting to bulking, by following the right diet and workout routine.
While a strong non-aromatizing steroid will provide better physical endurance and muscle recovery abilities, Equipoise will help with muscle preservation. And the testosterone supplement will keep your t-levels stabilized throughout the 12-week cycle.
We suggest taking the testosterone supplement at a dose of 100mg per week with not more than 600 mg of Equipoise (weekly). Likewise, the non-aromatizing steroid should be taken at a dose of 400 mg weekly.
What Are Some Of The Best Steroids To Pair With Equipoise?
Although the exact “steroid pair” will depend on your desired goals and body composition, some of the steroids that complement Equipoise well are:
- Trenbolone
- Winstrol
- Anadrol
- Dianabol
- Sustranol
- Masteron
- Anavar
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How To Take Equipoise?
Equipoise isn’t an oral steroid- it’s basically an injectable solution dissolved in oil, and you need to inject it via a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. These injections have short needles, and they direct the solution to the tissue between the skin and muscle as opposed to the veins.
2. Is Equipoise Legal?
Like all other testosterone-based steroids, Equipoise is also legal. However, you must be at least 18 years old to buy it. Moreover, you must use it only after consulting with a doctor.
3. What Should Be The Daily Dosage Of Equipoise?
The daily dose of Equipoise for a 12-week cycle can be broken down as follows:
- Week 1 to 4 – 100mg
- Week 5 to 8 – 200mg
- Week 9 and 10 – 300mg
- Week 11 and 12 – 400mg
You may continue taking the supplement in lower doses after the end of 12 weeks. But don’t take more than 600mg of the supplement in any week, as it can impact your overall health.
4. How Long Do The Benefits Last?
This will depend on different factors like the dosage, duration of taking the supplement, and how well your body responds to it. However, most people have reported that the results last anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks once they complete the cycle.
Similarly, people who have been taking Equipoise for prolonged periods can expect the benefits to last for up to 8 weeks.
Conclusion
It’s practically impossible to find a steroid that’s completely free from side effects, and Equipoise is no different. That’s why we strongly recommend getting in touch with a doctor to determine if the compound is suitable for your body and the ideal dose for your goals.
On that note, we will sign off!