Women and Parkinson’s: What the Research Gets Right (and Still Misses)

Parkinson’s disease is often seen as something that affects mostly men. But that’s only part of the story. Women not only get Parkinson’s, they often experience it differently. For a long time, their unique symptoms and needs were ignored. Research has focused on men, while women’s experiences were left out. Now, we’re beginning to catch up—but there’s still a long way to go.

A Historical Blind Spot in Parkinson’s Research

Most early studies on Parkinson’s were conducted on male patients. Researchers assumed the results would apply to everyone. But this was a big mistake. Hormones, brain chemistry, and immune responses differ between men and women. These differences can change how Parkinson’s appears, how it progresses, and how it responds to treatment. Even today, many clinical trials underrepresent women or don’t analyze sex-based differences in results.

This historical gap has real consequences. Without data on women, doctors may not recognize symptoms or choose the best treatments. It’s time to move beyond a one-size-fits-all model.

Delayed Diagnosis and Misinterpreted Symptoms

Women are more likely to be misdiagnosed or diagnosed later than men. That’s because many women don’t show the classic Parkinson’s symptoms early on. Instead of visible tremors, they may feel fatigue, internal tremors, anxiety, or brain fog. These signs are often mistaken for stress, menopause, or mental health issues.

A 2020 study found women had a longer average delay from symptom onset to diagnosis than men. This delay means they often start treatment later, when symptoms are more severe and harder to manage. It’s not just frustrating—it’s dangerous.

How Hormones Complicate the Picture

Estrogen may play a protective role in the brain. Some researchers believe that it helps shield neurons from the damage that causes Parkinson’s. That might help explain why women are usually diagnosed later in life than men—after estrogen levels drop post-menopause.

But hormonal shifts can also make symptoms worse. Many women report increased stiffness, fatigue, or tremors during menstruation. These fluctuations can also affect how well medications work, making it harder to manage symptoms consistently. Despite all this, hormone cycles are rarely factored into Parkinson’s care plans.

Different Symptoms, Different Burdens

Women with Parkinson’s often experience more non-motor symptoms like anxiety, depression, pain, and fatigue. These are just as disruptive as tremors or gait problems, but they’re harder to see and measure. As a result, they’re often not addressed properly in medical care.

Women are also more likely to experience side effects from medications, especially levodopa. They tend to weigh less than men, but often receive the same doses, leading to stronger reactions like dyskinesia (involuntary movements). Yet treatment plans rarely adjust for body size or metabolism.

Caregiving and Gendered Expectations

Many women with Parkinson’s are also caregivers themselves. They’re taking care of kids, partners, or aging parents—sometimes all at once. This emotional and physical burden can delay their own diagnosis or keep them from sticking to treatment routines.

Studies show women with Parkinson’s are less likely to have a spouse or partner who acts as a primary caregiver. That means they often lack support at home, which can lead to poorer outcomes. These social dynamics need to be part of how we think about care.

The Gap in Rehabilitation and Therapy Access

Physical and occupational therapy can make a huge difference in quality of life. But women with Parkinson’s may not be referred as often—or may not feel those programs fit their needs. Exercises designed for men may not address common issues for women, like pelvic floor dysfunction, posture instability, or chronic fatigue.

Therapies should reflect real life. That means building in flexibility for caregiving demands, hormonal cycles, and the emotional toll of the disease. It also means including wellness practices like yoga, breathwork, or mindfulness—things that many women are already using to cope.

Therapy That Sees the Whole Person

Women with Parkinson’s deserve more than just inclusion in research—they deserve care tailored to their bodies and lives. Programs like LSVT BIG, which focus on large, intentional movements and are adaptable to each individual, offer a powerful tool for women to regain confidence, strength, and control.

At Banyan and Nomad, we bring a personalized approach to Parkinson’s therapy. Through LSVT BIG and other holistic methods, we meet women where they are—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Because effective care starts with truly seeing the person behind the symptoms.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to see how our team can support your Parkinson’s journey.