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Has anyone had experience using the Wiley Protocol of hormone replacement therapy?
It is a method where bioidentical hormones are prescribed and are given transdermally -- through the skin -- in a patent-pending cream. A primary
difference between this protocol and some others is that the hormonal levels rise and fall, similar to the way a woman's normal cycle did when she was still menstruating.
There is some controversy on the web about T.S. Wiley's qualifications for developing a medical protocol, since she is not a doctor herself, she studied anthropology (though she co-authored the book "Sex, Lies, and Menopause" with Julie Taguchi, M.D.)
Some women claim wonderful results; others claim very troubling side effects. Does anyone out there have personal experiences to share?
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I have been on the Wiley Protocol prescribed by my physician for 3 months now. At the time she prescribed it, I had not had a period for 8 months and was in menopause. The first month of the protocol, I started bleeding early, in just 7 days. I was amazed that my uterus "woke up" so fast! And I was pleased that all of my menopause symptoms dissipated. For the second cycle, I started bleeding early again, but this time it was 14 days into the protocol. For the third cycle, I started bleeding on the 23rd day. For me, this was regular since I had always been on a 23 day cycle and not a 28 day cycle like most women. I am now in my 4th cycle of the protocol. It has been a breath of fresh air for me as I have been working closely with my doctor and the pharmacist to adjust the levels to fit my own personal cycle and needs and I am finally feeling normal again after so many years of peri-menopause symptoms and then full blown menopause symptoms including forgetfulness, weepiness, moodiness, sleeplessness, and lack of libido. Those are the things of the past now.
I am so thankful for this breakthrough, and am looking forward to my future.
December 15, 2009 - 12:07amThis Comment
I will keep you posted. I've recently been made aware of the pharmaceutical companies attempt at smearing T.S. Wiley and Suzanne Somers. It's amusing to me because as I read the tactics at one of their sites, a commercial came on TV appealing for those who've been affected adversely by the drug Yaz, a hormone replacement peddled by THE PHARMACEUTICAL industry!
December 16, 2009 - 9:56amThis Comment
Anon,
It's so interesting to read about your experiences. Thank you for writing. I am very interested that you are working with both your doctor and pharmacist -- have they both had strong roles? For so many women, a compounding pharmacist is something that makes a huge difference.
Please write back in a few months and let us know how you're doing!
December 16, 2009 - 9:04amThis Comment
I was on the Wiley Protocol for over a year---loved it, did great.....then I moved, no doctors in my area to follow me, but eventually I found one---I was off wiley for over a year, when I went back on, starting at same dose I left off I had symptoms of moodiness, depression, etc........they were all symptoms of PMS---dr. cut back on my estrogen a bit and I'm feeling fine---have been on it for over 2 years now and I love it.......I also use the Wiley Face Cream and and more than satisfied with that.....
December 14, 2009 - 12:30pmI have some friends that tried Wiley Protocol and stopped after several months---I have some friends who are on other hormone protocols and they tell me they don't take it everyday as they should, every few days only......I say why..??? I would recommend the Wiley protocol as very helpful--you do have to have blood tests to find the right dosage....
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Thank you, Anon. You've had excellent results and that's nice to hear too. May I ask how long you believe you'll stay on the protocol?
December 16, 2009 - 9:03amThis Comment
I'll stay on Wiley I guess forever, or until something changes in my life where I don't need hormones anymore--don't know what that would be, but you never know (smile)......I made the decision to go on Wiley/hormones because it was pretty evident my body needed it, but also for the anti-aging results.....
December 16, 2009 - 9:23amFor that, I guess I would stay on permanently.....
Blessings
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I tried it for three months if memory serves me. It was such a nightmare that I wish I could be more precise and kept better records. I would have kept records if I knew it would be such a disaster. Anybody contemplating Wiley should keep records.
November 4, 2009 - 1:14pmThe Wiley protocol left a brown "linea negra" line between my sternum and pubis (this line is usually only associated with pregnancy). That took two years to fade! I didn't take a picture but a couple of ex-Wiley patients did for legal purposes.
Diane, now I just use estradial cream and progesterone cream. I recommend Dr. Uzzi Reiss' book on hormones. Dr. Vliet has a good book too.
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Amanda, thank you so much for writing about your experience. I'm going to go check out those two authors right now. Are you doing well on the estradial cream and progesterone cream?
December 16, 2009 - 9:01amThis Comment
Dear Anon,
I'm sorry you had to go through your frightening experience. If it is any comfort, there are lots of others just like you who have had bad reactions. When I had bad headaches on the estrogen phase, I was told to take huge amounts also. I got wired and shaky. Wiley's people said I would get used to it in three months.
I just counted myself lucky I stopped. I didn't have to get a hysterectomy like a lot of the people who couldn't stop the bleeding. It is very, scary.
I don't know why any doctors use the Wiley Protocol after all the adverse reactions. Even Lynn Sher on ABC's 20/20 confronted Wiley with, how could a college drop out cult figure be getting doctors to prescribe such a reckless regimen?
You could contact your local medical board and complain. You need to establish a documented record of adverse reactions.
Suzanne Somers has repeatedly said SHE DOES NOT USE the WILEY PROTOCOL but I see certain doctors on the web are making that claim.
November 4, 2009 - 9:05amThis Comment
Suzanna Somers (and her husband) both still take the Wiley Protocol.
The reason doctors listen to TS Wiley is because of the volume of research she did on their behalf as a non0doctor to inform on issues of endocrinology, women's health, and compounding pharmacy. She has made herself an expert. This would not be the first time in history someone considered an "amateur" has in fact been more expert than the experts. It happens, quite literally, all of the time. If T.S. Wiley isn't capable informing doctors and questioning the standard of care, then what gives any woman the right to question any doctor? Even the ones prescribing Wiley Protocol? Doesn't that seem a bit hypocritical?
Jake Raden,
General Manager, Wiley Systems
Jake Raden
May 15, 2012 - 9:43amGeneral Manager, Wiley Systems
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