Androgenic Alopecia Revealing an Androgen-Secreting Ovarian Tumor

In 2001, a study reported a rare case of severe androgenic alopecia in an 80-year-old woman, which was caused by Leydig cell hyperplasia within the wall of an ovarian cyst and in the ovarian hilus. The woman had a 10-year history of severe androgenic alopecia and mild facial hirsutism, with hormonal blood levels showing significantly elevated testosterone. A computed tomographic scan revealed a large left ovarian cystic mass. After a bilateral hystero-ophorectomy, histological examination confirmed the presence of bilateral Leydig cell hyperplasia. Two months post-operation, the patient's testosterone levels dramatically decreased. The study concluded that the presence of virilization should prompt a search for an androgen-secreting ovarian or adrenal tumor.