posted Sat, 03/28/2026 - 02:39
1067
Equipoise
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This is the fourth times g equipoise. Every time I try and use it I lose weight when it starts to kick in. My body stays very very lean without EQ. I think my body type just isn’t cut out for EQ. I think I am too lean. I gain so much on testosterone and HGH so I don’t really think I need it. What I’m afraid of is taking it for 16 weeks and not gaining anything at all from it. Should I stick it out or drop it?
Has anybody ever took EQ for 16 weeks and only games a few pounds? And since there is a 100% chance I’ll gain from test and igf and HGH why run it anyway.
Any thoughts or experiences?
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I like eq for its polish look especially combined with tren
Make me eat alot and I have the enduranc3 when doing 40 rep squats
I use it mainly for cosmetic reasons
Try eating more foood
Big Bill…I wouldn’t rush to say EQ doesn’t work for you yet, brother … but I get what you’re saying.
A couple things I’ve seen (and experienced around me):
EQ tends to drive appetite up and increase RBC, so usually guys need to eat more to actually grow on it. If calories don’t go up with it, some people actually end up leaning out instead of gaining. Could be part of what you’re seeing.
Also worth looking at estrogen levels. EQ can mess with E2 (sometimes lowers it indirectly), and if your estrogen drops too much, you’ll feel flat, lose fullness, even drop weight.
And timing matters a lot here cause EQ is slow as hell. 16 weeks is honestly borderline for some people. Most of the guys I know who really benefit from it are running 20–24 weeks. Completely different from something like DHB where you see it quicker.
Another thing … depends what you’re expecting. If you’re comparing it to something like Anadrol where you jump up 6–10 lbs fast, that’s mostly glycogen + water + inflammation, not actual tissue. EQ is more of a slow, dry tissue builder, so it won’t “feel” like it’s working the same way.
I mean… if you already grow well on Test + GH + IGF, you’re not wrong questioning it. You don’t need EQ if your base is already working.
If it were me, I’d either:
Adjust food up and give it a proper long run (20+ weeks) slightly adjust the ratio with test or just drop it and stick to what you know works for your body.
GREAT advise.why run a compound of you don’t need it.
BTW how much do you yourself usually gain on EQ cycle? Can I gain ten to 12 pounds from EQ?
Great question, brother … and I like how you’re thinking about it.
From what I’ve seen (and personally experienced), EQ isn’t a “put on 10–12 lbs fast” type of compound. It’s more of a slow, steady tissue builder. In my last proper push with Test + EQ + NPP + GH, I ended up holding around 8–10 lbs of real lean mass after water dropped. Nothing crazy on the scale during the run, but what stayed was quality.
EQ is basically a test derivative, so think dry, clean gains, not that “blow up overnight” look like Deca or Anadrol. With Deca, you might see the scale jump faster, but a lot of that is fluid. With EQ, it’s slower… but what you keep is actually yours.
Can you hit 10–12 lbs?! Bro IMHO
Yes YOU CAN, but realistically that’s over a long run (20–24 weeks) and everything has to be on point:
Calories up (this is the main driver, not the drug)
Test + GH dialed in
Training hard enough to actually force growth
EQ helps by increasing RBC/oxygen delivery and sometimes appetite, which supports performance and recovery but it won’t override a lack of food or stimulus.
A simple setup like Test + EQ + GH (even IGF1 LR3 if you’re using it) over a long enough timeline can absolutely get you there. If appetite isn’t kicking in, something like MK677 can help, but honestly food is still the foundation either way.
So yeah you can get gains….
But think slow, earned, keepable size, not fast scale weight.
And btw you’re fucking knowledgeable and can do this m, maybe give it another try. But you feel eq doesn’t agree with you, I mean that’s alright… there’s many other compounds… Bro you see guys getting fucking huge on test and gh basically. I mean…You got this, Big !
That’s been my experience at least …
Ok. Maybe I should up my test to 2-1 ratio. 500 mgs EQ and 1,000 test then see what happens when the igf and HGH kick it.
Wha I am afraid of is taking EQ for 20 weeks the find out I only gained 4 pounds. I usually gain really well on gear. But what I’m looking for is to gain 10 pounds of dry quality muscle.
So my question is this. Am I only expected to gain 5 pounds of muscle on EQ? If so I’ll drop it. Because I ca gain better with just test HGH and IGF. That will make me gain 10-12 pounds of mostly keep able muscle. If I’m only expected to gain 4 pounds I’ll drop it.
And THANK YOU everybody for the advise. I appreciate all of you taking the time to answer me. I read every answer even though I haven’t responded to every one.
iCONicEQ needs to be ran for a minimum of 24 weeks first off.
What else are you on that could be negatively affecting your appetite like that? I would look at that first. Eq takes a LONG time to fully saturate in the body, so it usually doesn't start showing benefits until around week 10, unless you front load it. So be patient brother, the benefits are coming. I would suggest front loading the EQ, double the dose say 1,000mg for 2 weeks, MAYBE 3 weeks, then bump it down to 500mg (or whatever your desired weekly dose is) every other week for the rest your 24 week cycle.
Edit* if you are losing weight on eq, that means your diet is not good, you are not pushing the food like you should be. Which is why I ask what else are you taking thag could negatively affect your appetite like that
Anadrol. But everytime I use EQ this happens. I’ll be gaming like crazy then POW I add EQ and lose 4 pounds the first week.
I think my body fat is way too low for EQ. I was using anadrol that also killed my appetite. Even with my appetite killed I still eat. It just makes it harder.
I think you are potentially losing water bloat if you are losing 4 lbs with eq right away. It’s likely doing its job of helping to control your E2. To gain 10-12 lbs it is more about what and how you eat and honestly less about the compound. I’ve put on 15 lbs of pretty lean muscle with Masteron as a secondary compound of all things.
Thank you for this. I’m worried I’ll run EQ for 16 weeks and gain 4 pounds. Is that something stupid to worry about? Because I have enough EQ for 20 weeks at 500 mgs a week. I don’t want to run it and gain his 4 pounds. I can eat. That’s not a problem.
How much do you weigh Bill?
Right now I weigh 182 pounds lean. I took 6 months off of lifting to finish school and working full time. I had no time to lift weights. But I got my engineering degree now.
I am trying to get to 195 pounds which is easy to do when I take IGF HGH and test alone. I can maintain that off of gear. I was hoping with the EQ I could hit over 200 pounds. Os that possible with EQ or should I stick with the test HGH and IGF
You likely need to be eating somewhere around 3700-4k cals a day to gain the weight you are looking for if you are pretty active in the gym. We are about the same weight and I’ve kind of stalled in this 182-185 range at 3400-3500 cals a day.
Oh I can eat. But in order to eat I have to go to the store and get everything I like and plan my meals. I just did that a week ago. I have to spend money on ell the expensive stuff. Get my favorite marinades. I just bought a new charcoal grill too. When I add Taboo to my gear it makes me hungry af also. One shot and I’m hungry every 2 hours.
I remember last time I added EQ i was at 202 and I was 5 weeks into a cycle and I wanted to see what it did. I went to 195 in two weeks. It drove me nuts.
I think I’m going to drop the EQ all together. Why add something if I’m gaining off test and HGH
How much hgh and Igf do you run?
For sure. High test cycle should be fun. Hope you get all the gains brother
Could be losing weight from estrogen lowering. I use eq instead of an ai that’s the point for me idk how much it really does in terms of gains tho
The anadrol made me gain 6 pounds. I’m still on that. I think when I front loaded the equipoise it made me lose it right away.
Your carbs up enough?? Too much cardio with already lean body? I love eq but you know that.
Trust your clothes and not the scale if its a recomp. Dhb is similar in that visual changes are awesome.
EQ for me is just insane round delts and fullness tbh idk
Everyone reacts differently to different compounds. Sounds like you answered your own question in your post. You don’t need it.
It increases appetite and aids in injuries. Your gonna gain some weight. Been around for decades. Its originally a veterinary drug especially for horses.
IMO using EQ should not be the main reason for keeping your E2 in check. The benefits of using EQ is the actually the high RBC's. Your conditioning/endurance will be greatly improved. That's why they give these to thoroughbred horses so they can run long distance and also used with endurance athletes. If your training style in gym is Bro science, slow controlled eccentrics, then EQ is not for you. Your not taking advantage of this compound. Train heavy and very intense. Move freakin heavy weights for reps. You can train all day with EQ. With that training, you will get hungry, so calorie surplus is a must if want to gain weight/mass. 2:1 ratio of test/eq should help with E2 from crashing. Yes, you'll have high hematocrit, so cardio is a must and drink lots of water, may help saturate blood thickness. Donation will help as well. High impact cardio and meds will help with the higher BP.
Dirtyred2I usually eat like a horse when I run EQ
It’s always been one of my favs
I’ve ran EQ a for long periods, however thst was over 6-8 years ago so it might react differently now that I am older.
I always gained weight on EQ only because it made me soooo hungry. I was hungry all the time, and never felt satisfied. I had cheeseburger urges all the time and had to use discipline to fight the urge for a greasy burger.
EQ crushed my e2 at 1:1 with test. I looked pretty good but more or less just dried out and had to abandon it around week 10 given the crash. Wondering if you've checked your estrogen levels since gains won't come if too low, and you saying no e sides from gram of test has me wondering how, lol.
How far are you in? You sure you're not just recomping, getting leaner and stronger?
I used to use it for the appetite stimulating effects, so I don't think I've ever lost weight on it. Bold cyp on the other hand, I don't really get the appetite affects or the crazy vascularity.
I agree with Aggie though, the negative sides of EQ make it more of a young mans compound. Don't need the high RBC and BP at this age.
What would you suggest for someone that age trying to gain strength for powerlifting
They say you should not use EQ after 40 years old anyways. Basically guys use it to control estrogen so you can use what you have for that reason but I wouldn't buy it anymore because there is no point.
Why no EQ after 40? I haven't heard this, but planned on running it in for my bulk. I'm over 40, so you've got my attention.
Heavier sides. The better compound to run over the age of 40 is Primo but Primo can be pricey. So running EQ is a good alternative but you may have to mange sides like BP elevating, Erythrocytosis, lipid issues, etc.
I had to look up that big word.
I should have just said increased RBC production.
Not to mention but legit primo is hard to find these days for a decent price.
I've got Primo in with test and tren A now. Just looking to get a bit more bulk on the next blast and EQ seems like a better candidate along with Nandrolone. Love Primo, though.
If you want size just up the calories both will give it.
Everything's going up except cardio duration my brotha.
EQ just sounds good, but honestly, I'll probably end up sticking with what I know best and thats test and primo. It hasn't failed me yet.
What he said ^
Understood. I thought there was something else I was missing. Those things are manageable for me. Appreciate the help!
Eq should be making you want to ravage the fridge , my appetite goes through the roof with good eq. You may be losing water like others have stated , but you may also need to bump up the caloric intake . What’s your diet like ?
Yes agree, I’m year round lean and when I add EQ my appetite goes through the roof allowing me to eat more than I normally would. I use it to bulk.
All compounds can react differently to the individual, and how your body metabolizes it. Trial and error sometimes to find out what that is for you.
Just thinking, gh and test tend to hold a little bit of water at higher doses. At least compared to eq. And if eq is lowering e2 then probably losing a little water weight. I've never ran eq, but my understanding is it's low slow, "clean" gains. As one has become more advanced in muscle building and closer to, or over their genetic potential, gains will slow. Like actual contractual muscle is such a long and slow game. To put on 4lbs of actual muscle in 4 months would be actually pretty good. So when running test and gh, the scale may go up alot, but not all of it is "pure muscle" gain. Lots of water, minerals, nitrogen, etc.
The real point of running equipoise is so that you can run your test up without having to use an AI. Use the equipoise for controlling your e2 and let your test shine without the bloat and all the other E2 sides. EQ is anabolic and will also help with gains but the main point of running the compound is to control e2 without using Aromasin or Arimidex on high test
Thanks for the advise. I can use a gram of test without high E2 sides so I’m going to drop it.
Gram of test is going to give you those gains then.