Progest-E Replenishing Oil

Progest-E Replenishing Oil Complex

Progest-E is Dr Ray Peat’s 10% Replenishing Oil Complex, manufactured by Kenogen. It contains USP-grade natural bioidentical progesterone derived from Mexican wild yam, dissolved in natural Vitamin E oil (non-PUFA). The formula was developed by the late Dr Raymond Peat — physiologist, researcher, and one of the most influential independent voices in hormonal physiology of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Progest-E is our #1 best seller.

Important: Progesterone is a regulated substance. This product should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Please consult your doctor or healthcare practitioner before use.

What is Natural Progesterone?

Natural progesterone — also called bioidentical progesterone — is molecularly identical to the progesterone produced by the human body. It is distinct from synthetic progestins (such as medroxyprogesterone acetate), which are structurally different molecules with a different biological profile. Dr Peat was emphatic on this distinction throughout his career, arguing that the two should never be conflated.

Progesterone is produced primarily by the corpus luteum after ovulation, and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands and brain. It is a precursor to many other steroid hormones including cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen — and plays a foundational role in hormonal balance across the entire body.

Dr Ray Peat on Progesterone

Dr Peat spent decades researching the biological role of progesterone and its relationship to estrogen, thyroid function, and cellular energy. His central thesis was that many of the symptoms attributed to “ageing” or “hormonal imbalance” are in fact symptoms of estrogen dominance — and that progesterone, as estrogens physiological antagonist, plays a critical protective role.

“Progesterone is the most protective hormone the body produces.” — Dr Raymond Peat

Key themes from Dr Peat’s published work on progesterone include:

• Anti-estrogenic action — progesterone directly opposes many of the proliferative and inflammatory effects of estrogen at the cellular level
• Thyroid support — progesterone supports thyroid hormone function and opposes the thyroid-suppressing effects of estrogen and cortisol
• Neuroprotection — progesterone and its metabolites (neurosteroids) have well-documented protective effects on brain tissue; Dr Peat cited research on progesterone’s role in myelin repair and neuroprotection
• Anti-inflammatory — progesterone opposes the inflammatory cascade associated with estrogen excess, including prostaglandin synthesis
• Cellular energy — progesterone supports mitochondrial respiration and opposes the energy-suppressing effects of estrogen
• Mood and nervous system — progesterone and its neurosteroid metabolites (particularly allopregnanolone) have calming, anxiolytic effects on the nervous system

Areas of Traditional & Research Interest

• Hot flashes — one of the most common traditional uses; progesterone’s role in thermoregulation and estrogen balance
• Menstrual pain and PMS symptoms — progesterone deficiency is a well-recognised factor in dysmenorrhoea and premenstrual syndrome
• Ovarian cysts — traditionally used to support hormonal balance in the context of ovarian cyst formation
• Fibrocystic breasts — estrogen-driven proliferation of breast tissue; progesterone’s anti-estrogenic action is relevant here
• Estrogen excess / estrogen dominance — supporting the body’s natural progesterone-to-estrogen ratio
• Bone health — Dr Peat cited research suggesting progesterone supports osteoblast activity (bone building), distinct from oestrogen’s mechanism
• Cardiovascular wellness — in contrast to synthetic progestins, natural progesterone has been associated with a more favourable cardiovascular profile in research
• Sleep and mood — allopregnanolone (a progesterone metabolite) acts on GABA receptors, supporting calm and restful sleep

Why Vitamin E as the Carrier?

Dr Peat specifically chose natural Vitamin E (tocopherol) as the carrier oil for Progest-E — not as a neutral vehicle, but as an active and synergistic component. His reasoning:

• Non-PUFA — unlike most carrier oils (which are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids), Vitamin E does not contribute to lipid peroxidation or inflammatory cascades
• Antioxidant protection — Vitamin E protects progesterone from oxidation and supports its stability
• Synergistic action — Vitamin E has its own anti-estrogenic and antioxidant properties that complement progesterone’s biological activity
• Mucosal absorption — the oil base supports absorption through mucous membranes (gums, inner lip), which Dr Peat considered an effective delivery route

Note: some people find the taste slightly bitter or unusual — this is completely normal and is a characteristic of the natural Vitamin E base, and abates within a few minutes.

Composition

• Natural progesterone — USP grade, bioidentical, derived from Mexican wild yam, 10% concentration
• Natural Vitamin E oil — non-PUFA carrier; antioxidant and synergistic

Dispensing Guide

These directions are provided by the manufacturer (Kenogen) and are for reference only. Use only as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

• A 60mg drop contains approximately 6mg of progesterone
• An unpopped popcorn kernel is approximately the same size as a 60mg drop and can be used as a visual reference
• A 1/16th teaspoon contains approximately 25mg of progesterone

For specific dosing guidance for your situation, consult your healthcare practitioner. Manufacturer dosing information is included with each order.

Storage & Handling

Natural Vitamin E can be affected by prolonged exposure to light and higher temperatures, which can reduce shelf life. Store refrigerated or in a cool, dark place.

Natural Vitamin E is more viscous when cold. To facilitate dispensing:

• When the bottle is getting low, store it upside down in a small glass in the fridge — this keeps the solution at the dropper tip ready for use
• Remove from the fridge approximately 20–30 minutes before use to allow it to reach room temperature
• Note: do not store upside down when the bottle is full — the liquid will dispense too quickly. Store right side up until it becomes difficult to squeeze liquid from the bottle

Progest-E is kept under temperature control until posted to you, with storage and usage instructions included with each order.

Precautions

Consult your healthcare practitioner before use. Not for use without medical supervision. This product contains progesterone, a regulated substance. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without specific medical guidance. Keep out of reach of children.

Further Reading

• Ray Peat — Progesterone Summaries
• Ray Peat — Progesterone Deceptions
• raypeat.com — full archive of Dr Peat’s published articles

This product and these statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Use only as directed by your healthcare practitioner.