The weekend spent learning about the Wiley Protocol was a huge eye opener for me. The ideas put forth about replacing postmenopausal hormones for women using creams which match the cyclical production of hormones in the younger female makes sense. Wiley also discusses the idea that our lifestyles are connected to changes in our hormonal makeup and this is evident to me in my patient’s everyday as we battle diabetes, PCOS, endometriosis and PMS on an ongoing basis.

Wiley also discusses the idea that our lifestyles are connected to changes in our hormonal makeup and this is evident to me in my patient’s everyday as we battle diabetes, PCOS,  endometriosis and PMS on an ongoing basis.  We as physicians need to acknowledge that what we have been taught about hormones in our university education is not the complete picture, but a dynamic body of knowledge. We should consider that hormones may not be looming scary molecules that are a danger to us, but rather fundamental substances which are incredibly entrenched in the functions of the entire body. Research and studies into new ways of dosing hormones could provide valuable information about the immune system, mood and depression, heart disease and inflammation.

The Wiley Protocol weekend is educational for the hormone researcher, but is also a time to voice questions, concerns and share your own experiences about cases. The fact that the discussions take place near the beautiful Natural History Museum of Santa Barbara over absolutely delicious meals doesn’t hurt either. Enjoy!

Dr. Bridgett Simon, Seattle, Washington