Association of Estrogen in the Risks of Parkinson’s Disease in South Korean Women

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the death of neurons, resulting in symptoms such as shaking, stiffness, and impaired balance. Research suggests a potential link between estrogen, a female sex hormone, and PD risk, with studies indicating that estrogen may play a protective role against the disease. However, most research on this topic has been conducted on European populations, leaving the role of estrogen in PD risk among Asian women, particularly in South Korea, unclear. This study contributes to understanding the potential protective role of estrogen in PD by focusing on South Korean women. A case-control study design was employed, comparing responses from women with PD to healthy controls. The study investigated various reproductive life events, including menstruation, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy, using a questionnaire administered to participants in South Korea. Results revealed that PD patients were significantly older than controls, with differences in reproductive lifespan and age at menopause. Women who underwent surgical menopause showed an increased risk of PD, while hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptive usage did not show consistent associations with PD risk. The study concludes that estrogen is neither a protective nor a risk factor for PD in South Korean women. This research contributes to the understanding of PD risk factors among South Korean women and highlights the need for further exploration into non-genetic gender-specific symptoms and societal influences on PD risk, aiming to reduce underrepresentation and medical discrimination in PD research.