Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Protect Against Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's Disease. Parkinson's is a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement and coordination. Much more research and awareness have evolved over the last decade thanks to the actor Michael J. Fox who has Parkinson's. The incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease is rising.  1.8% of people over age 60 develop Parkinson's disease. There are many inconclusive studies on prevention of Parkinson's disease.

We do know a few things about hormone replacement therapy and Parkinson's disease, though. Estrogen replacement is protective against the incidence of dementia which occurs in nearly 30% of Parkinson's Disease patients. Since Parkinson's is more common in men, it raises the suspicion that estrogen has a protective role. It appears that estrogen's antioxidant properties have a direct effect on the survival and recovery of dopamine neurons in early Parkinson's disease. Also the risk of Parkinson's Disease increases after therapy with tamoxifen which is an anti-estrogen drug given to some women after breast cancer. Testosterone replacement also improves the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.

The above pictures show Saint Pope John Paul II in the early years of his papacy and then after he was debilitated with Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's is not only disabling, it is frustrating to patients because most can think clearly but can't get their bodies to follow commands. Although there is no cure, there are plenty of medications to treat Parkinson's, two of which you make naturally.....estrogen and testosterone. Call today to schedule your consult about BioTE bio-identical hormone pellet replacement therapy.....501-228-6237

Anne R Trussell MD