Equipoise shares many similarities regarding direct enhancement properties with testosterone. Common shared properties include its ability to enhance protein synthesis, nitrogen retention in the muscles, inhibit glucocorticoid hormones and increase IGF-1 output. Equipoise is also well known for increasing red blood cell count, a trait shared by most all anabolic steroids. However, issues of concern have been noted regarding how much Equipoise can increase red blood cell count. But available data tends to support this only being a concern with extremely high dose use for extremely long periods of time. In many ways, the increase in red blood cells provided by Equipoise can be fast and rapid, but may not present a significant advantage or disadvantage compared to most anabolic steroids when used responsibly. Without question, a moderate increase in cell production would be very advantageous for most any athlete.