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Hormonal Health9 April 2026

What Is Progest-E? Dr. Ray Peat's Natural Progesterone Oil Explained

Dr. Benedicte Lerche — About
Dr. Benedicte Lerche

MSc PhD · Biochemist & Metabolic Health Expert

Published 9 April 2026

· Updated 22 July 2026

· 5 min read

Dr. Ray Peat's progesterone oil is the best natural progesterone supplement. It provides natural progesterone in a very absorbable form and is about 20 times stronger than most other natural progesterone supplements on the market.

What is Natural Progesterone?

Progesterone is a natural hormone typically associated with women, but both men and women produce it. Progesterone is one of the body's youth-associated hormones, which all have anti-stress and anti-aging effects. Progesterone is the body's most protective hormone. It neutralizes inflammatory substances, including excess estrogen — supporting progesterone levels through the lifestyle and dietary strategies in my book How to Boost Metabolism with Food and the broader method in Roadmap to Metabolic Health makes a meaningful difference. As explained in another blog post, estrogen contributes to chronic inflammation. Together with optimal thyroid function, good progesterone levels are essential for the body's energy production. When the cells in your body produce an abundance of energy, repair and healing can take place.

What are the Symptoms of Low Progesterone?

When there is a deficiency of progesterone, many different symptoms can arise. Here are some of the symptoms listed alphabetically:

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Allergies

  • Blood pressure issues (high or low)

  • Cancers caused by excess estrogen

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Constipation

  • Colitis

  • Edema

  • Endometriosis

  • Epilepsy

  • Fatigue

  • Fibroids

  • Headaches (including migraines)

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

  • Immunological problems

  • Infertility

  • Inflammatory diseases

  • Insomnia

  • Early menopause

  • Memory problems (and dementia)

  • Osteoporosis (bone loss)

  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

  • Varicose veins and bulging veins

Some of the symptoms above apply only to women. In my Hormone Rebalance Intensive™, I go into more detail about the symptoms related to a progesterone deficiency.

Natural Progesterone versus Synthetic Progestins

If you have signs and symptoms of progesterone deficiency, supplementing with progesterone is an option — I cover this in detail in my Hormone Rebalance Intensive™ course. According to Dr. Ray Peat, both men and women can benefit from using a natural progesterone supplement. However, the progesterone supplement must be manufactured correctly.

First of all, it is very important not to confuse natural progesterone with synthetic progestins. Progestins are modifications of progesterone where atoms have been introduced into the natural molecule to create patentable drugs. Many progestins have very harmful effects. Drug companies make progestins because it is not possible to patent a natural substance like progesterone.

In contrast to progestins, natural progesterone is bio-identical, meaning it is chemically identical to the progesterone produced by the body.

What is the Best Natural Progesterone Supplement?

There are many different natural progesterone products on the market. The only one I recommend is Dr. Ray Peat's progesterone oil, also called Progest-E (produced by Kenogen).

Dr. Ray Peat's progesterone supplement differs from all other natural progesterone products. It is made in a special way using vitamin E as a solvent for the progesterone. This allows for an effective oral progesterone supplement with very high bioavailability. Dr. Ray Peat's Progesterone oil is about 20 times stronger than other progesterone preparations. Thus, high dosages are not necessary, which is often the case with other preparations.

Dr. Ray Peat did the research and patented the method of using vitamin E as a solvent for progesterone. Many other companies are trying to imitate Dr. Ray Peat's progesterone oil. Some companies even claim they have a better product and try to confuse people with misleading statements about Dr. Ray Peat's product. In my Hormone Rebalance Intensive™, you can learn more about Dr. Ray Peat's progesterone oil.

Where to Buy Dr. Ray Peat's Progesterone?

My Hormone Rebalance Intensive™ provides you with all the information you need to purchase Dr. Ray Peat's Progesterone oil (Progest-E). This course also teaches you how to use Progest-E correctly, whether you are a woman or a man.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Progest-E?

Progest-E is a natural progesterone supplement formulated by Dr. Ray Peat and produced by Kenogen. It uses vitamin E (tocopherol) as a carrier solvent, which dramatically increases the bioavailability of progesterone compared to conventional creams or capsules. A small number of drops delivers a therapeutically meaningful dose.

Is Progest-E only for women?

No. According to Dr. Ray Peat's research, both men and women produce progesterone, and both can benefit from supplementation. In both men and women, progesterone helps balance estrogen, support thyroid function, and protect against the effects of stress hormones.

How is Progest-E different from progesterone creams?

Progesterone creams are absorbed through the skin and work better locally than systemically. Dr. Peat's Progest-E is dissolved in vitamin E, allowing it to be taken orally, thereby enabling rapid absorption and delivering a much higher effective dose per milligram.

What is the difference between progesterone and progestins?

Progesterone is the body's own natural hormone — bio-identical and fully recognized by the body's receptors. Progestins are synthetic compounds derived from progesterone but chemically altered to be patentable. They behave differently in the body and can cause significant side effects that natural progesterone does not.

Can Progest-E help with PMS?

Yes. PMS is often associated with a relative excess of estrogen compared to progesterone in the luteal phase. Natural progesterone supplementation, including Progest-E, is one of the approaches Dr. Ray Peat recommended for alleviating PMS symptoms such as bloating, mood changes, breast tenderness, and cramping.

Are there any side effects of Progest-E?

Natural progesterone is generally very well tolerated. Some people may experience transient drowsiness when first using it, reflecting its calming, anti-stress effects. Because it is bio-identical, it does not carry the risks associated with synthetic progestins. That said, it is important to follow clear instructions when starting progesterone, starting with a low dose, and to monitor your response. In my Hormone Rebalance Intensive™, you can learn more about Dr. Ray Peat's progesterone oil and how to use it safely and effectively.

How quickly does Progest-E take effect?

Due to its high bioavailability, Progest-E can be felt relatively quickly — often within minutes when taken orally. Longer-term benefits to hormonal balance, sleep, and energy typically emerge over several weeks of consistent use.

Do I need a prescription for Progest-E?

Progest-E is available without a prescription in many countries, including the United States. Availability varies by country, so checking your local regulations is recommended. My Hormone Rebalance Intensive™ details where and how to obtain it.

Topics

progesteroneprogest-eray peathormonesnatural hormonesprogestinshormonal health
Dr. Benedicte Lerche MSc PhD — Biochemist and metabolic health expert

About the Author

Dr. Benedicte Lerche MSc PhD

Biochemist · Metabolic Health Expert · Author

Dr. Benedicte Lerche holds a Master's degree and PhD in biochemistry. After being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and finding that conventional treatment left her symptoms unresolved, she turned to Dr. Ray Peat's pro-metabolic research — and eventually restored her own thyroid function and health. She now dedicates her work to helping others do the same through evidence-based books, online courses, and one-on-one counseling.

Read Dr. Lerche's full story →
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