A Diagnostically Challenging Case of Hyperandrogenism in a Postmenopausal Woman

    October 2024 in “ Journal of the Endocrine Society ”
    Md Shajjad Hossain, Sadaf Hossain, Bharti Gautam, Huijuan Liao, Salini Chellappan Kumar, David S. H. Rosenthal
    Image of study
    TLDR The case highlights the complexity of diagnosing high testosterone in older women and the need for thorough testing.
    This case study discusses a 70-year-old postmenopausal woman with severe hyperandrogenism, characterized by elevated testosterone levels, excessive hair growth, male pattern hair loss, and weight loss. The diagnostic challenge lies in differentiating between ovarian hyperthecosis, non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH), and Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor (SLCT) due to elevated 17-OH Progesterone levels and asymmetrical ovarian enlargement. The patient underwent an ACTH stimulation test and imaging, revealing a prominent left ovary. She was referred for bilateral oophorectomy to obtain a definitive diagnosis. This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women and the importance of thorough differential diagnosis and laboratory analysis.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 6 results

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results
      Hirsutism: Diagnosis and Treatment

      research Hirsutism: Diagnosis and Treatment

      2 citations, January 2012 in “Journal of metabolic syndrome”
      The document concludes that hirsutism can be managed with various treatments tailored to the individual, potentially improving quality of life.
      Approach to Investigation of Hyperandrogenism in a Postmenopausal Woman

      research Approach to Investigation of Hyperandrogenism in a Postmenopausal Woman

      November 2022 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”
      Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism, a condition with symptoms like increased hair growth and acne, is usually caused by PCOS but can also be due to other factors. It's diagnosed by checking testosterone levels and treated either by removing the adrenal tumor or through antiandrogen therapy.
      Androgenic Alopecia in Females: Diagnosis and Treatment

      research Androgenic Alopecia in Females: Diagnosis and Treatment

      14 citations, July 1987 in “Dermatologic Clinics”
      The document concludes that treating female hair loss should target reducing excess androgen and blocking its effects on hair follicles, with the best treatments being hormonal therapy, adrenal suppression, and topical minoxidil.
      Evidence-Based Approach to Cutaneous Hyperandrogenism in Women

      research Evidence-Based Approach to Cutaneous Hyperandrogenism in Women

      42 citations, July 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”
      The conclusion is that oral contraceptives and antiandrogens can treat hirsutism and acne in women with cutaneous hyperandrogenism, but more research is needed for effective treatments, especially for hair loss.