Hormones, Emotion, and Movement: The Overlooked Complexity of Women Living with Parkinson’s

While Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often presented in clinical literature as a uniform condition, the reality is much more nuanced—especially for women.

A Different Journey: How Parkinson’s Affects Women Differently

 Research has shown that women tend to experience a different constellation of symptoms, including more pronounced non-motor symptoms like anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Their motor symptoms may also fluctuate more drastically due to hormonal influences, making their disease progression harder to predict or manage using standard care models.

In addition, women are often underrepresented in Parkinson’s clinical trials, leading to treatment strategies and medication dosages that are primarily calibrated for men. As a result, women living with PD are more likely to be misdiagnosed, undertreated, or misunderstood—both by their physicians and by society. Addressing this gender disparity is critical for improving quality of life and ensuring women receive the tailored support they deserve.

Hormones and the PD Puzzle: Estrogen’s Role in Neurological Health

Estrogen, often called the “guardian” of the female brain, plays a protective role in dopamine regulation and neuronal resilience. Its decline during menopause may accelerate the progression of Parkinson’s or exacerbate certain symptoms. Women often notice a worsening of tremors, rigidity, and cognitive fog around midlife, coinciding with hormonal changes. These shifts can complicate diagnosis and treatment, especially when symptoms are mistaken for signs of menopause or general aging.

Moreover, the interactions between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and Parkinson’s medications are not well understood, leaving many women in a therapeutic gray area. Some report improvements in symptoms with HRT, while others experience side effects or no change at all. More research is urgently needed in this space, but what’s clear is that hormone health cannot be separated from PD management in women.

 The Emotional Weight: Mood Disorders and Gendered Coping Mechanisms

Depression and anxiety are common among people with Parkinson’s, but women tend to experience these symptoms more frequently and more intensely. This emotional weight is often dismissed as a normal response to stress or aging, rather than a core part of the disease. Yet neuropsychiatric symptoms can precede the motor signs of PD by years, especially in women, serving as early indicators that are too often overlooked.

Coping mechanisms also differ by gender. Women may internalize their emotional struggles or mask them in order to preserve their caregiving roles or maintain a public image of strength. Unfortunately, this can delay diagnosis and limit access to supportive therapies. An emotionally responsive, gender-informed care model is crucial—not only for symptom relief but for preserving a woman’s sense of identity and agency.

 Movement and Motivation: When Exercise Feels Different for Women

Exercise is one of the most effective tools for managing Parkinson’s symptoms, but not all movement programs address the unique physiological and psychological needs of women. Hormonal fluctuations can influence energy levels and motivation, making it harder for women to maintain a consistent routine. Add in caregiving duties, job responsibilities, and limited time for self-care, and even the most well-intentioned plans can falter.

Women may also feel less confident participating in traditional fitness programs, especially if they’re experiencing changes in body image or balance. Tailored movement interventions like dance therapy, mindful movement, and one-on-one support can make a world of difference. Programs that offer flexibility and emotional connection are more likely to stick—and more likely to empower.

Social Invisibility: The Quiet Struggles of Female Parkinson’s Patients

The social narrative around Parkinson’s still centers on older men—public figures and clinical archetypes who don’t reflect the daily experience of many women living with the disease. This invisibility leads to feelings of isolation, shame, and self-doubt. Women may hesitate to speak up about their symptoms, fearing they’ll be seen as weak, unstable, or burdensome.

Even within support groups or clinics, women sometimes find it difficult to connect with others who truly understand their unique challenges. Creating spaces—both virtual and in-person—where women can be heard, seen, and supported is essential. These spaces must foster empathy, education, and community to counteract the isolation that often shadows their diagnosis.

Advocacy and Research: Why Gender-Specific Studies Matter

Only in recent years has Parkinson’s research begun to recognize the significance of sex and gender differences in disease progression and treatment. The lack of sex-specific data has left a gap in care protocols, making it difficult to create accurate prognoses or design effective interventions for women. This oversight needs urgent correction—not just in labs, but in medical education and patient advocacy.

Women living with Parkinson’s can and should become vocal participants in shaping the future of care. From participating in gender-specific studies to demanding more inclusive clinical practices, their voices are needed at every level of the conversation. Researchers, clinicians, and community leaders must prioritize this shift if we are to achieve true equity in neurological care.

How Banyan & Nomad and LSVT BIG Can Support Women

At Banyan & Nomad, we understand the complexity of Parkinson’s in women and offer a compassionate, gender-informed approach to wellness. One of our most effective tools is the LSVT BIG program—a targeted, evidence-based therapy that helps improve movement, coordination, and confidence. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or navigating long-term challenges, our team is here to meet you where you are.

Through personalized care, mindful movement, and a focus on holistic well-being, Banyan & Nomad offers more than therapy—we offer a path toward empowerment. If you or a loved one are living with Parkinson’s, reach out. You deserve to feel seen, supported, and strong in your body again.