The often-lauded injectable testosterone-derived AAS known as Boldenone, Equipoise, or EQ, has garnered a reputation for being safe, mild, and suitable for newcomers to the world of AAS. But does it truly live up to this reputation? In this post, we'll delve into the unique risks associated with EQ, allowing you to form your own assessment.

In addition to the typical side effects shared with other AAS (such as HPTA shutdown and dyslipidemia), Boldenone presents three distinctive properties that set it apart in terms of risks:

  1. Dramatic Increase in Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count:

    2. While nearly all AAS lead to an increase in RBC count, Equipoise takes this effect to a different level. A notable benefit of this drug is enhanced physical endurance. RBCs play a pivotal role in oxygen transport, and an elevated RBC count leads to improved oxygen delivery, subsequently enhancing performance.

    However, the downside is that increased RBC count also raises blood viscosity, thickening the blood and significantly elevating blood pressure. This can increase the long-term risk of heart disease. While all AAS share this effect to some extent, Equipoise amplifies it. Thus, monitoring blood pressure and taking ancillary medications to manage it, if necessary, are vital for EQ users. Donating blood after a cycle is also recommended to reduce RBC count and blood viscosity.

  2. Nephrotoxicity:

    3. Animal studies, research involving AAS users, and numerous anecdotal accounts suggest that Equipoise carries significant nephrotoxic (kidney-toxic) potential. The exact mechanism is not well understood, but it may be linked to the substantial increase in RBCs and blood pressure, both known contributors to kidney damage.

    Kidneys are delicate organs, lacking the regenerative capabilities of the liver, making nephrotoxicity a more critical concern than hepatotoxicity (liver damage). To safeguard kidney function while using Equipoise, staying well-hydrated and supplementing with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is advised.

  3. Estrogenic Effects:

    4. Equipoise has historically been considered an estrogenic AAS due to claims in Dr. William Llewellyn's influential book "ANABOLICS," suggesting it converts to estradiol at approximately 50% of the rate of testosterone. However, there is a conspicuous absence of scientific evidence supporting these claims, while anecdotal evidence often contradicts them.

    This misconception has led to many people combining Equipoise (which exhibits anti-estrogenic properties) with aromatase inhibitors, fearing excessive aromatization. The result? Suppressed estrogen, manifesting as low libido, sexual dysfunction, dry joints, energy depletion, and dry skin, among other symptoms.

    It's important to note that some animal studies that suggested an increase in estradiol levels during Equipoise use may have generated inflated results. These studies were unable to distinguish between estrone and estradiol, implying that the observed increase could be attributed to an estrone-like metabolite, which does not appear to be particularly active.

    To mitigate these estrogenic misconceptions, using a testosterone base alongside Equipoise to ensure sufficient estradiol conversion is advisable.

In summary, while Equipoise has a reputation for being mild and beginner-friendly, it is not without unique risks. Its dramatic impact on RBC count, nephrotoxic potential, and the complex issue of its effects on estrogen necessitate careful consideration and monitoring for those choosing to include EQ in their AAS regimen.