Hormone replacement THerapy and PD

Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 4:52 pm Post subject:Hormone Replacement Therapy

Dear Doctor, I have read that Hormone Replacement Therapy may have protective effects vis a vis PD. I do realize HRT carries risks but risks aside have you seen evidence that it is protective against this disease or that it can *possibly* slow the progress of the disease? Thanks so much!
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Dr. FernandezJoined: 20 Jan 2007Posts: 90
Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 9:03 pm Post subject:

We have looked at the effects of both estrogen and testosterone in PD.

I must admit that I think the evidence for both is weak.

There are several studies (including one that I wrote) showing that patients on estrogen may have had a slower motor and cognitive decline.

But these are all epidemiological studies, not prospective clinical trials on estrogen. And the results of the studies have not been uniform.

On the other hand, Dr. Okun has reported the beneficial effects of testosterone but this are small and open-label studies. When he did the double-masked, placebo-controlled trial, this benefit was not different from placebo.

Thus, in my opinion, we have no solid proof, one way or another that estrogen or testosterone treats PD symptoms and that its side effects need to be seriously considered before starting either drug.

Yours,
Hubert H. Fernandez
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