It took me 20 years [embarrassingly] to look up the causes and symptoms of early menopause, now called POF - premature ovarian failure. As you'll see here - the number one non-surgical cause is autoimmune disorder and hypothyroidism is related. My health went to hell in a handbasket in the 80s. Rick, I never disagreed, but now I better understand the need for endocrinologists in the PD mix of health professionals. All of my doctors have heard my story...but I should have been more involved with my own health. Of course, back then, I was having babies and rasiing them. Never suspected Parkinson's disease until motor symtoms began.

Lindy, while menopause might be bad for pd at any age, I had early menopause in my mid 30's and that is what the study is saying, that the longer you have your own hormones, reduces the risk of getting pd.

http://www.earlymenopause.com/causes.htm

paula