I'm looking into Equipoise (Boldenone) as an addition to a bulking or cutting stack. I've heard it provides a slow but steady gain in lean mass and vascularity. What are the recommended dosages and cycle lengths? What about the infamous "EQ flu" and the potential for a huge increase in red blood cell count?
EQ is a great compound, but it's a long-ester steroid and takes a while to build up. A cycle of at least 16 weeks is needed to see the full benefits. A common dose is 400-600mg/week, always with a testosterone base. The gains are high-quality, not watery.
The "EQ flu" is a real thing for some users, but it usually subsides after the first week or two. The high red blood cell count (RBC) is a major concern. It can lead to blood thickening and increase the risk of a stroke. Blood work is essential, and some users even donate blood to manage this.
The increased appetite is a significant side effect of Boldenone. For a bulking cycle, this is great. For a cutting cycle, it can be a problem. Be mindful of your diet and don't let the increased hunger get the best of you.
The long half-life of Boldenone means it takes a long time to clear your system. This also extends the time before you can start PCT, so plan accordingly. You might need to run a testosterone "cruise" for a few weeks after stopping EQ.
The increase in red blood cells is called erythrocytosis, and it's one of the main reasons for monitoring blood work on this compound. If your hematocrit gets too high, donating blood is a legitimate way to manage it and improve cardiovascular health on cycle.
So, long cycles, high doses, and a significant risk of high RBC count. The appetite increase is also something to consider. Is there a shorter-ester version, or is the long ester the only way to go?
Boldenone Acetate does exist, but it's less common and requires more frequent injections (EOD or ED). For most users, the Undecylenate ester is the standard because of the less frequent injections. The downside is the long wait for it to kick in and to clear your system.
Just to add, the psychological effects of EQ are often debated. Some users report an increase in anxiety. Again, listen to your body and your mental state while on this compound.
A lot of the negative side effects are dosage-dependent. Lowering the dose can often mitigate the RBC and anxiety issues, but you might also see fewer gains. It's a trade-off you have to decide on.