How Should Postmenopausal Androgen Excess Be Evaluated?

The document from 2011 reviewed the evaluation and treatment of postmenopausal hyperandrogenism, noting that excessive androgens in postmenopausal women can lead to symptoms like hirsutism and hair loss. It highlighted that there is no definitive androgen level that confirms the cause of hyperandrogenism, but levels of testosterone (T) above 200 ng/dl or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) above 800 ng/ml historically indicated the need for tumor evaluation. The study mentioned included 60 women with androgen-producing tumors, most of whom had T levels between 100 and 200 ng/dl. Diagnostic approaches include radiologic evaluations and, less commonly, venous sampling. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and is important due to the associated health risks, including cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. The document emphasized the importance of a comprehensive evaluation involving history, examination, laboratory tests, and radiologic tests to manage hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women effectively.