Abstract
Movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD), restless legs syndrome (RLS),
chorea, essential tremor, and Tourette syndrome, occur in men and women of all ages.
Yet, considerable sex differences in epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment
exist in these disorders. In this review, we highlight key differences in the evaluation
and management of women with movement disorders, addressing sex-specific complications
of treatment and unique challenges surrounding the management of movement disorders
during pregnancy. We review the complex relationship between estrogen and movement
disorders, including the putative neuroprotective effects of estrogen in PD and the
modulatory effects on RLS and chorea associated with autoimmune disease. Further understanding
of sex-specific and hormonal effects on clinical features will be important to optimize
the management of women with movement disorders in the future.
Keywords
Parkinson's disease - restless legs syndrome - Tourette syndrome - chorea gravidarum
- essential tremor - estrogen - sex differences - pregnancy
