Androgenic Alopecia and Hirsutism in a 73-Year-Old Woman: Careful Re-Evaluation of Normal Imaging Findings May Lead to a Rare Diagnosis

    May 2008
    Annette Christen, Verena Tischler, Pierre-André Diener, Michael Brändle
    Image of study
    TLDR A 73-year-old woman's unusual hair loss and growth led to the discovery of a rare condition causing too much testosterone, which improved after her ovaries were removed.
    In 2008, a 73-year-old woman was studied who developed androgenic alopecia (hair loss) and hirsutism (excessive hair growth) on her chest, back, and abdomen over 3-4 years. Despite initial 'normal' imaging results, a re-evaluation indicated her ovaries were larger than expected for her age. This led to the hypothesis of excess ovarian production of testosterone. After performing a bilateral ovarectomy (removal of both ovaries), the histopathological examination revealed stromal hyperthecosis, a rare condition causing excessive androgen production. Post-operation, the patient's testosterone levels normalized, and her hirsutism and androgenic alopecia improved. This case highlighted the importance of considering ovarian hyperthecosis as a potential cause of androgen excess in postmenopausal women, even when imaging studies appear normal.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Spironolactone for 11 years, finasteride for almost 5 years, started oral minoxidil in November 😢 ended oral contraceptive in Dec.

      in Progress Pictures  224 upvotes 7 months ago
      A user shared their 11-year experience with spironolactone and nearly 5 years with finasteride for hair loss, recently adding oral minoxidil and stopping birth control. Various treatments were discussed, including organic options, checking for underlying health issues, considering dutasteride, and the potential role of progesterone in hair loss.

      community I am having Success with RU58841 and 1mm Derma Roller

      in Microneedling  19 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user reported success with RU58841 and a 1mm derma roller for hair regrowth, noting significant improvement in hair density and reduced scalp visibility. They also mentioned using minoxidil and black castor oil in the past, with mixed results.

      community AA and Hirsutism but T levels are normal

      in Female  8 upvotes 3 years ago
      27-year-old female experiences aggressive hair thinning and hirsutism despite normal testosterone levels. Spironolactone and 2% minoxidil were ineffective; high DHEA sulfate levels may be the cause.

      community How does hair loss and recovery work?

      in Chat  12 upvotes 2 months ago
      Hair loss varies due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and other factors. Treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling.

      community Does low HGH leading to hairloss?

      in Research/Science  13 upvotes 9 months ago
      The user experiencing diffuse hair loss is using various treatments including RU58841, finasteride, minoxidil with tretinoin, anti-hair loss shampoo, and microneedling, and is considering adding peptides TB500, BPC157, and GHK-Cu. They have low growth hormone levels and are questioning its impact on hair loss, while another user suggests androgenic alopecia and androgens are likely the main cause of hair loss.

    Related Research

    3 / 3 results