Women’s motor and non-motor symptoms may differ from men’s. Women may have more:
- bone problems like osteoporosis
- earlier weight loss
- problems with muscles around the bladder (pelvic floor muscles).
Ask your specialist or nurse about referral to:
- a dietitian
- a physiotherapist for help with pelvic floor problems
- screening for bone problems.
Medication
Women taking levodopa for Parkinson’s are more likely to have movements that you can’t control (dyskinesia). Women are also more likely to experience ‘wearing off’, when Parkinson’s medication stops working as well.
Ask your specialist or nurse about:
- possible medication adjustments
- other treatment options, such as deep brain stimulation or infusion therapies.
Periods (menstruation)
If you still have periods, symptoms could get worse or change during your menstrual cycle. And medication may seem less effective.
Ask your specialist or nurse about:
- adjusting your Parkinson’s medication during your cycle
- other ways to manage changes, including hormonal contraception.
Pregnancy
Parkinson’s doesn’t seem to affect fertility and with the right support, pregnancy can be safe and manageable. If you are planning a pregnancy, or are currently pregnant, discuss this with your specialist or nurse.
Perimenopause and menopause
Parkinson’s symptoms sometimes get worse:
- around the time of menopause (when periods stop)
- in perimenopause (the lead-up to menopause).
Some women find it hard to tell if symptoms like tiredness and night sweats are due to menopause or Parkinson’s.
Ask your specialist or nurse about:
- adjusting your medication
- hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- other ways to manage menopause.
For information or personalised guidance on any of these topics, please contact the Parkinson’s NSW InfoLine on 1800 727 567. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Information Source: Parkinson’s UK
More articles on women’s health
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/magazine/experts/ask-experts-women-and-parkinsons
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