Isn't tongkat ali a supplement for men?

That's the common perception. Tongkat ali has been widely marketed for male testosterone support, but HP Ingredients reports that LJ100 shows meaningful progesterone support in women. The same CYP17 enzyme pathway involved in male hormone production is active in female hormone synthesis as well.

How do I know if a tongkat ali product contains LJ100?

Look for 'LJ100' or a label specifying 40% glycosaponins and 22% eurypeptides. These standardization markers distinguish LJ100 from generic tongkat ali powder, which varies widely in potency. The clinical dose used in menopausal women is 100mg/day of this standardized extract.

Is this a replacement for hormone therapy (HRT)?

No. LJ100 supports the body's own hormone production rather than supplying hormones externally. It is not a prescription drug and cannot replace hormone replacement therapy. Women with moderate to severe menopausal symptoms should consult a clinician, and those on existing hormone therapy should check with their doctor before adding LJ100.

Tongkat Ali LJ100 Raises Progesterone and Improves Quality of Life in Menopausal Women

Tongkat ali (Eurycoma longifolia), a root long used in Southeast Asian traditional medicine, has produced clinical evidence in a new area: supporting progesterone levels and improving quality of life in menopausal women. The data comes from a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial using LJ100, a patented standardized extract developed by HP Ingredients.

Trial Design

The study followed a rigorous design:

Dose: LJ100 100 mg/day
Population: Women in perimenopause or menopause
Duration: 12 weeks
Outcomes measured: MENQOL (menopausal quality of life), POMS (profile of mood states), CFS (energy and fatigue), and serum progesterone

By week 6, progesterone levels were significantly higher in the LJ100 group compared to placebo, and the effect held through week 12. Scores on MENQOL, POMS, and CFS all improved with statistical significance.

What LJ100 Is

LJ100 is a patented, standardized tongkat ali extract with defined concentrations of two key compound groups:

Glycosaponins: 40%
Eurypeptides: 22%

These markers represent the minimum standardization required to replicate clinical outcomes. HP Ingredients has accumulated over 25 human clinical studies on this extract, making it one of the more researched proprietary botanicals in the adaptogen category.

Annie Eng, CEO of HP Ingredients, described the pattern: “LJ100 is effective at supporting testosterone in men and progesterone in women.” The same root, different hormonal targets, depending on the user’s physiology.

Why Progesterone Matters in Menopause

Progesterone is produced by the ovary’s corpus luteum before menopause, serving as a counterbalance to estrogen. During perimenopause, progesterone typically begins declining before estrogen does, creating an imbalance period that many women experience as a distinct phase of symptoms.

What falling progesterone can trigger:

Sleep disruption: progesterone acts on GABA receptors, producing a calming effect that diminishes with the hormone
Mood shifts: anxiety, irritability, emotional volatility
Irregular and heavy bleeding: estrogen dominance without progesterone’s balance
Fatigue: tied to adrenal function and cortisol dysregulation

The fact that POMS and CFS scores improved alongside progesterone levels in this trial suggests the hormonal shift translated into measurable daily function changes, not just a lab number.

The Mechanism: Activating the Hormone Conversion Pathway

LJ100’s primary mechanism involves activating the CYP17 enzyme, technically known as 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, which controls a key step in hormone synthesis.

The pathway works as follows: the body converts pregnenolone (a foundational precursor made from cholesterol) into downstream hormones including DHEA, testosterone, and progesterone. CYP17 is the enzyme that facilitates multiple steps in this conversion. By upregulating CYP17 activity, LJ100 effectively gives the body more material to work with in producing active hormones.

Additionally, cortisol balance appears to be part of the picture. Under chronic stress, the adrenal glands redirect pregnenolone toward cortisol production rather than sex hormones, a process sometimes called “cortisol steal.” LJ100’s effect on this competition may explain why progesterone availability increases.

Expanded Evidence: Hot Flash Reduction

A separate study examined a combination formula: L. pumila 400mg combined with LJ100 100mg. Results suggested this combination may support reduction in hot flashes, one of the most common and disruptive menopausal symptoms. Hot flash management without pharmaceutical intervention is an area of active interest, particularly among women seeking options alongside or before HRT.

The Adaptogen Expansion into Women’s Hormonal Health

Adaptogens, herbs that help the body regulate its own stress and hormonal responses, have long been positioned primarily for stress and energy. The expanding evidence base is shifting that narrative. Ashwagandha, rhodiola, and maca have each generated women’s health data in recent years, but tongkat ali’s angle is distinct: direct hormonal pathway stimulation rather than cortisol modulation alone.

For women navigating the perimenopause window, particularly those who are not candidates for HRT or who want to layer support before or alongside prescription options, the adaptogen category is becoming increasingly specific.

Before Starting LJ100

LJ100 is not a drug and works by supporting the body’s own production rather than replacing hormones externally. That said, it is hormonally active, and the following groups should consult a clinician first:

Women currently on hormone therapy (HRT): potential interaction with existing hormonal regimens
History of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer: hormone-sensitive conditions require evaluation
Liver conditions: tongkat ali extracts are hepatically metabolized
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: contraindicated due to hormonal activity

The clinical dose is 100mg/day of LJ100 (verified 40% glycosaponins, 22% eurypeptides). Confirm the standardization on the label before purchasing, as generic tongkat ali products vary considerably in actual content.

Source: Nutritional Outlook / HP Ingredients