Endocrine Factors and Their Impact on the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease

Disruption of thyroid homeostasis can play a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although hyperthyroidism by itself does not directly cause Parkinson’s disease, accumulating evidence from recent studies suggests that an excess of thyroid hormones may contribute to the onset or exacerbate the progression of neurodegenerative processes characteristic of PD. Elevated levels of thyroid hormones can influence dopaminergic neuronal function, potentially accelerating neurodegeneration, increasing oxidative stress, and impairing motor and cognitive regulation. Consequently, imbalances in thyroid function may serve as an important modulating factor in the severity and course of Parkinson’s disease. Understanding this relationship highlights the necessity of monitoring and managing thyroid function in patients at risk for or diagnosed with PD, thereby offering a potential avenue for mitigating disease progression and optimizing therapeutic strategies.