Yes, women can and do get Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease affects both men and women. For many years, doctors thought it was more common in men, but research now shows that women develop Parkinson's at nearly the same rate as men do. Women are often diagnosed later than men, sometimes because symptoms show up differently or because the disease progresses at a different pace.
About one in 500 people will develop Parkinson's at some point in their life. That includes women of all ages, though it most commonly appears after age 60. Some women are diagnosed in their 40s or 50s, and occasionally younger women receive a diagnosis too.
Key Takeaways
- Women develop Parkinson's disease at rates similar to men, though they are often diagnosed later.
- Women may experience different early symptoms than men, including mood changes, pain, or sleep problems before tremor appears.
- Hormonal changes related to menopause do not cause Parkinson's, but some women notice symptom changes around that time.
- Women taking Parkinson's medications may face different side effects or interactions than men, so your doctor needs to know your full medical history.
Why women's Parkinson's is sometimes diagnosed later
Women often wait longer to receive a diagnosis for several reasons. The first is that women's early symptoms sometimes look different. A woman might report fatigue, mood changes, or widespread pain before she develops the tremor that makes men seek care. Doctors may attribute these symptoms to depression, menopause, or arthritis instead of looking for Parkinson's.
The second reason is that women are more likely to describe their symptoms as mild or to minimize them when talking to a doctor. This can delay the conversation that leads to testing. A third factor is that some doctors still carry the outdated belief that Parkinson's is "a man's disease," so they may not think to test for it in a woman patient.
Delayed diagnosis matters because starting treatment earlier can help manage symptoms better over time. If you have tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement, or balance problems—or if you have fatigue, mood changes, or pain that is not explained by another condition—mention Parkinson's specifically to your doctor.
How Parkinson's symptoms may differ in women
Women report some symptoms more often than men do. Pain is one: women with Parkinson's are more likely to describe muscle aches, joint pain, or burning sensations. Mood changes, including depression and anxiety, also appear more frequently in women. Sleep problems—trouble falling asleep, waking in the night, or vivid nightmares—are another common early sign.
Tremor, the shaking that many people associate with Parkinson's, does occur in women but may not be the first thing a woman notices. Some women have Parkinson's without much tremor at all. Instead, they may feel stiff, move more slowly, or have trouble with balance and coordination.
Because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions common in midlife and older age, keeping a written record of when symptoms started and how they have changed helps your doctor see the pattern. Bring this record to your appointment.
Menopause and Parkinson's symptoms
Menopause does not cause Parkinson's disease. However, some women notice that their Parkinson's symptoms change around the time of menopause. This may happen because hormonal shifts affect how the brain uses dopamine, the chemical that Parkinson's damages. For some women, symptoms improve slightly; for others, they worsen temporarily.
If you are approaching or going through menopause and you have Parkinson's, tell your neurologist. Hormone replacement therapy and Parkinson's medications can interact, and your doctor may need to adjust your doses. Some women find that managing menopause symptoms helps their Parkinson's feel more stable.
Pregnancy and Parkinson's medications
If you are a woman of childbearing age with Parkinson's and you are thinking about becoming pregnant, talk with your neurologist before you conceive. Some Parkinson's medications are safer in pregnancy than others. Your doctor may recommend switching to a different medication or adjusting your dose before you try to become pregnant.
Stopping Parkinson's medications suddenly is not safe and can cause a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Your neurologist will work with you to plan any changes to your treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Parkinson's medication, contact your neurologist and obstetrician right away—do not stop taking your medication on your own.
Side effects and medication interactions in women
Women and men may experience different side effects from the same Parkinson's medications. Women report nausea, dizziness, and mood changes more often than men do. Some women also experience sexual side effects or changes in how their body processes medication.
Women are more likely to be taking other medications for conditions like high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or thyroid disease. These medications can interact with Parkinson's drugs. Make sure your neurologist and your other doctors know every medication and supplement you take, including over-the-counter pain relievers and herbal products.
What to ask your doctor
If you think you might have Parkinson's, or if you have been diagnosed and want to make sure your treatment accounts for your specific situation, ask your doctor these questions:
- What symptoms should I watch for that might mean my Parkinson's is changing?
- How will my other medications interact with my Parkinson's treatment?
- If I am approaching menopause, how might that affect my symptoms or my medications?
- Are there support groups or resources specifically for women with Parkinson's?
- How often should I see my neurologist, and when should I call between appointments?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parkinson's hereditary in women?
Parkinson's can run in families, but most people with Parkinson's have no family history of it. If a close relative has Parkinson's, your risk is higher than average, but it is not certain you will develop it. Genetic testing is available for some forms of early-onset Parkinson's; ask your neurologist whether it makes sense for you.
Can hormonal birth control affect Parkinson's symptoms?
Some women report that hormonal birth control affects their Parkinson's symptoms, though research on this is limited. If you take birth control and have Parkinson's, mention both to your neurologist so they can monitor how you respond to your medications and adjust if needed.
Do women with Parkinson's have a different life expectancy than men?
Life expectancy with Parkinson's depends on age at diagnosis, how quickly the disease progresses, and overall health—not on sex. A woman diagnosed at 70 and a man diagnosed at 70 have similar outlooks. Modern treatments help many people live well for years after diagnosis.
What should I do if my doctor dismisses my symptoms as menopause or stress?
Ask for a referral to a neurologist. A neurologist can perform tests to check for Parkinson's and rule out other conditions. If your primary care doctor will not refer you, you can often request a neurologist directly through your insurance or ask for a second opinion.
Are there clinical trials for women with Parkinson's?
Yes. Clinical trials test new treatments and may be open to women with Parkinson's. You can search for trials at ClinicalTrials.gov by entering your location and "Parkinson's disease." Ask your neurologist whether any trials near you might be a fit for your situation.