ABSTRACT Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a well-documented neurodegenerative disorder due to a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Clinically PD affects both motor and non-motor systems. In addition, both central and peripheral nervous systems can be involved. Evidence from epidemiologic studies has shown that the incidence and prevalence of PD is 1.5-2 times higher in men than in women. Laboratory studies and clinical observations suggest that estrogen may play a role in the development of PD. However, estrogen may have opposite effects on the development of PD in men as compared to women. The effects of cigarette smoking and coffee consumption relative to the onset of PD may be controversial in women or menopaused women with estrogen supplementation. This article is a review of possible roles of estrogen in the pathogenesis of PD.
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