Parkinson’s Disease Risk: Why Men Are More Affected, and How Estrogen Protects Women

Parkinson’s disease is one of the fastest-growing neurological conditions worldwide, and research consistently shows that men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women. But experts say this does not mean men are inherently more vulnerable; instead, women may have a biological advantage that offers protection, at least earlier in life. “Men tend to have a higher incidence of Parkinson’s disease, but this does not mean that there is something inherently wrong with men, nor are factors like trauma, toxin exposure, or stroke the only reasons behind this difference. There have been a lot of theories to suggest that men are more prone to trauma, more exposed to toxins, or more prone to stroke,” Dr. Natesan Damodaran, Clinical Lead, Epilepsy

and Functional Neurosurgery, told Times Now Health.Also read: Alzheimer’s Testing Warning: Don’t Rush for Memory Tests, Here’s When You Actually Need Them

Why are men more prone to Parkinson’s?

Several theories have tried to explain the higher incidence of Parkinson’s in men. These include greater exposure to environmental toxins, higher risk of head trauma, and increased likelihood of vascular issues like stroke. While these factors may contribute, they don’t fully explain the gender gap. Scientists now believe the answer may lie in biology, specifically, hormones.

The protective role of estrogen

One of the strongest explanations is the neuroprotective effect of oestrogen, a hormone more prevalent in women. Eestrogen is known to protect brain cells from damage, support dopamine production, and reduce inflammation in the brain. This protective role is similar to how estrogen helps lower the risk of heart disease in women. As a result, women may develop Parkinson’s later in life or experience slower progression in early stages. “We know that women have a lower risk of cardiac disease due to the protective effect of estrogen. Similarly, there are studies which suggest that estrogen may offer neuroprotection, which could be one of the reasons why women are less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease at an earlier stage,” Dr. Damodaran added.

Why is the gap narrowing?

Interestingly, recent studies suggest that the difference between men and women is gradually shrinking. There are a few reasons for this, including:

Improved diagnosis in women

Earlier, Parkinson’s may have been underdiagnosed in women

Increased awareness

More women are seeking medical evaluation for symptoms

Changing lifestyles

Environmental and health factors are becoming more similar across genders This means the perceived “protection” may not be as strong as once believed.

The role of age and longevity

Another important factor is life expectancy. Women generally live longer than men, which changes the overall picture. “Another important factor is that women tend to live longer than men. As a result, by the age of 70, the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease is nearly the same in both men and women, simply because more women survive into older age groups where the disease becomes more common,” said Dr. Damodaran. By the age of 70 and beyond, Parkinson’s prevalence becomes nearly equal in men and women, and more women enter the age group where the disease is common. This highlights that age remains the biggest risk factor, regardless of gender.

Early symptoms you should not ignore

Recognising early signs of Parkinson’s disease can lead to better management. Early diagnosis can significantly improve quality of life, even though there is currently no cure. Common symptoms include:

• Tremors or shaking, especially in the hands
• Slowed movements, also known as bradykinesia
• Muscle stiffness
• Balance and coordination problems
• Changes in speech or handwriting
• Awareness of assumptions

The takeaway is clear: while men may show higher rates of Parkinson’s disease, the difference is likely influenced by hormonal protection in women rather than increased weakness in men. Understanding these biological differences can help improve early detection, personalise treatment approaches, and raise awareness across both genders. Parkinson’s disease is complex, and gender is just one piece of the puzzle. As research evolves, it’s becoming clear that hormones like estrogen play a crucial role in brain health.