## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [Finding Care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [Finding Care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care) # Women & Parkinson’s ## 💡 Quick Summary - Women with Parkinson’s face unique challenges, including delayed [diagnosis](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed "Getting Diagnosed"), different symptoms, lower-quality healthcare and attending appointments alone. - Research on sex and gender differences in Parkinson’s is limited but shows women are more likely to experience medication-related [dyskinesias](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/dyskinesia "Dyskinesia"), motor fluctuations, non-movement symptoms and mental health challenges, highlighting the need for women-specific studies. - Women with PD can improve care and quality of life by seeking expert care, joining research studies, reporting all symptoms and side effects, working with their [care team](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/building-your-team "Building Your Care Team") and finding a support system. ![Multigenerational family of women walking while enjoying each other's company](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/womenpd.jpg?itok=NngxzcTd) Sex and gender differences can drastically impact health and are important to consider when it comes to Parkinson’s disease (PD). With information and awareness of the key issues women with Parkinson's face, our hope is to help you feel empowered to advocate for the care and quality of life you deserve. ### Sex and Gender **Sex** is a biological identifier generally determined at birth (male or female). **Gender** is how a person identifies. There are differences in the way men and women experience Parkinson’s. While women are not adequately represented when it comes to Parkinson’s research, studies have shown that women with Parkinson’s: - Are less often diagnosed and encounter greater hurdles to get an accurate diagnosis - Report different [symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/symptoms "Symptoms") compared to men with PD — such as more side effects and changes in symptoms throughout the day - Are more likely to downplay symptoms - Receive lower-quality healthcare than men - Are less likely to seek treatment from a PD specialist, such as a neurologist or movement disorders specialist More information and further research studying the differences between men and women with Parkinson’s are needed to ensure that women are receiving equal treatment and care. ## Stories from Women with PD ![Susan Brister and family](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/susan_brister.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=ww6KogDd) People with PD ### [ Susan Brister ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/susan-brister) READ NOW ![heather_wolynic](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/heather_wolynic.jpg?h=6227a86e&itok=2oJOviDF) People with PD ### [ Heather Wolynic ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/heather-wolynic) READ NOW ![anne_wray](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/anne_wray.jpg?h=34c5beb6&itok=eGyko8s8) People with PD ### [ Anne Wray ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/anne-wray) READ NOW ### Risk Women have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s, but the underlying reason for this has not yet been determined. Likely, the cause is due to several factors such as biology, environmental exposures and behaviors. ### Treatment Men and women take similar medications to combat PD symptoms. However, women are more likely to experience medication-related [dyskinesias](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/dyskinesia "Dyskinesia") (involuntary, erratic movements), motor fluctuations and [“wearing off” of medication](/blog/science-news/levodopa-study "Mainstay Parkinson's Medication Sometimes "Wears Off" Faster for Women"). [Deep brain stimulation](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/surgical-treatment-options/deep-brain-stimulation "Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)") (DBS) is a treatment option that can help manage motor symptoms. Despite women having greater reported improvements to quality of life compared to men following DBS, women are less likely to receive the surgery. Women also experience more [non-movement symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms "Non-Movement Symptoms") than men with PD and are more likely to be prescribed antidepressants and benzodiazepines for anxiety. Pain management is similar for men and women living with PD. ### Research Women have been and continue to be underrepresented in Parkinson’s research. Research on women’s experience with PD underscores the need to focus on this important population of focus in the PD community. Sex and gender differences are often not considered in both PD research and clinical care metrics but need to be, moving forward. Research has shown that: - Women and men with PD report different symptoms and severity to their care team, but researchers have yet to identify women-specific symptoms. - Small changes in medications or schedule can cause women to experience big changes in symptoms, with dyskinesias being the most frequently reported side effect. - Women with PD are more likely than men with the disease to live and attend medical appointments alone. Additional PD research should be conducted to understand how biological differences between men and women manifest in PD and how this affects treatment options. The Parkinson’s Foundation believes that all Parkinson’s research needs to examine the effect of biological sex, including sex hormones, on PD risk, progression and response to treatments. ![Ellen headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/535x680/public/images/ellen_hess.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=YV8DjjKZ) MY PD STORY: Ellen Hess, PhD The biological reasons for the differences between the sexes are largely unknown and unexplored but nonetheless very important because understanding these differences could ultimately lead to personalized and more effective treatments that are targeted to males or females. [ READ Ellen's STORY ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/ellen-hess) ### Estrogen Research The relationship between estrogen and Parkinson’s is complicated and needs more research. Of the limited studies on estrogen and Parkinson’s, there is some data to support these theories: - Hormones, namely estrogen, may be a factor in reducing PD risk in women. - Estrogen may also be neuroprotective, possibly accounting for later PD onset in women. - Longer duration on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was associated with reduced risk of PD, although there has been conflicting data on this topic. We do not know if HRT can help treat fluctuations in PD symptoms. ### Care Since women are more likely to attend PD appointments alone and [live alone](/living-with-parkinsons/management/living-alone "Living Alone"), Parkinson’s care must be made more accessible and available to women. Parkinson’s Foundation research has found that PD programs should target health, wellness and management of PD, and should be designed to be more welcoming to women. PD care programs must also focus on helping women feel comfortable and included. Women with PD experience a greater quality of life when medical professionals work alongside them to manage care, identify treatment goals and minimize miscommunication. Medical professionals should focus on transparency, shared decision-making, and empathy to enhance communication between patient and clinician. ### Mental Health Women with PD have significantly less social support, more psychological distress, and worse self-reported health-related quality-of-life at initial PD care visits, compared to men. Women with Parkinson’s can choose to prioritize their mental health through any treatment that they find beneficial — including finding a counselor, joining a support group or any other outlet that brings relief. ### Mental Health & Parkinson's Maintaining mental health is essential to living well with Parkinson's, and can help manage movement symptoms. [Emotional & Mental Health](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health) [Depression & Mood](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health/depression-mood/suicide) ### Pregnancy Research on [pregnancy and Parkinson’s](/living-with-parkinsons/management/sexual-health/females "Female Sexual Health") is sparse. Parkinson’s does not appear to increase the risk of birth complications or birth defects. About half of women with Parkinson’s who become pregnant experience worsening of their PD movement symptoms during pregnancy, according to a review of the existing research. Limited evidence suggests that levodopa can safely be taken during pregnancy. Breastfeeding while taking PD medications is typically not advised, because so little is known about their absorption into breast milk. About 400 women under the age of 50 are diagnosed with PD in the U.S. each year. It is unknown how many become pregnant. There have been no formal clinical trials on pregnancy and Parkinson’s. PD researchers are working to collect data on women with PD who become pregnant, which would help develop guidelines for providing better care. [Learn More About Female Sexual Health](/living-with-parkinsons/management/sexual-health/females "Female Sexual Health") ### Tips for Women with Parkinson's These tips can help women living with Parkinson’s navigate this disease: - [Seek expert care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care "Finding Care"). Find a specialist who can provide a diagnosis and manage symptoms. It’s never too late to find a PD specialist you trust. - [Join a Parkinson’s research study](/advancing-research/join-study "Join A Study"). Help bridge the gender and sex research gap in the PD field. - Work alongside your care team and PD doctor to identify goals for treatment. - Report all symptoms and medication side effects to your care team. - Find a support system that works for you. Women are more likely to go to doctors’ appointments alone, and not have a care partner. Find a support group, mental health professional, or group of friends that offer support. ### Making an Impact [](/library/books/women-research-care-agenda "Women and Parkinson's Research and Care Agenda") ![Women and PD Agenda Cover](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/WomenPD-Blog1.jpeg?itok=RMKYz2mH) The Parkinson’s Foundation brings awareness to women-specific issues to help improve the health and well-being of women with PD. [*Women and Parkinson’s: Closing the Gender Gap in Research and Care*](/library/books/women-research-care-agenda "Women and Parkinson's Research and Care Agenda") is the first national research and care agenda specific to women with PD to address the disparities that they experience. [Read the agenda now](/library/books/women-research-care-agenda "Women and Parkinson's Research and Care Agenda"). The Parkinson's Foundation believes in inclusivity when it comes to women in PD research. We fund women-specific Parkinson’s [research grants](/advancing-research/finding-cure/currently-funded-grants "Currently Funded Grants") and enroll women and men in our genetics study, [PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s disease](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation"). ### Resources Utilize these Parkinson’s Foundation tools at any time: - [Podcast: Encountering Gender Differences: Women and PD Initiative](/library/podcast/50 "Episode 50: Encountering Gender Differences: Women and PD Initiative") - [*Women and Parkinson’s: Closing the Gender Gap in Research and Care*](/library/books/women-research-care-agenda "Women and Parkinson's Research and Care Agenda") - [Fact Sheet: Women and Parkinson’s Disease](/library/fact-sheets/women "Women and PD") - Call our [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to specific Parkinson’s questions, local referrals and more. *Page reviewed by Dr. Mara Seier, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurological Sciences at the Nebraska Medicine Movement Disorders Center.* ### Learn, Share and Network Join our Women with Parkinson’s Community Network to connect with other women living with PD. [LEARN MORE](https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help/volunteer/community-networks/women) ## Related Materials Fact Sheets ### [ Women and PD ](/library/fact-sheets/women) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/women) Books ### [ Women and Parkinson's Research and Care Agenda ](/library/books/women-research-care-agenda) [Read Now](/library/books/women-research-care-agenda) Podcasts ### [ Episode 50: Encountering Gender Differences: Women and PD Initiative ](/library/podcast/50) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/50) ## Related Blog Posts ![Two women hiking together ](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/unmetwomensneeds-blog-2.png?h=5193ff8a&itok=30lUZ3OF) Science News ### [ The Unmet Needs of Women with Parkinson’s ](/blog/science-news/women) READ NOW ![couple talking to medical professional](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/upennpd-bloghero.png?h=ed9ce7df&itok=28AFeccG) Advancing Research ### [ Center of Excellence Series: University of Pennsylvania Movement Disorder Center Is a Leader in Women’s Parkinson’s Research ](/blog/research/upenn) READ NOW ![Man pondering](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/pd101-toppdquestions-blog.png?h=ed9ce7df&itok=uCMhdFvu) Raise Awareness ### [ Parkinson’s 101: We Answer Your Top Parkinson’s Questions ](/blog/awareness/parkinsons-questions) READ NOW ### Connect with Others Explore our PD Conversations discussion groups to find answers or talk to others going through similar experiences. [Join Now](https://www.pdconversations.org/) ### Share Your Journey Your story can help empower women navigating Parkinson’s. Share your Parkinson’s story today. [I’M READY TO SHARE MY STORY](/living-with-parkinsons/my-pd-story/submit) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn