TLDR Evaluate postmenopausal women with high androgen levels using medical history, physical exams, lab tests, and imaging to manage health risks.
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.
815 citations,
April 2010 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Women with PCOS should be screened for heart disease risk and manage their health to prevent it.
989 citations,
August 2007 in “The Lancet” PCOS is a complex condition with major health impacts, needing more research for better diagnosis and treatment.
1744 citations,
August 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.
[object Object] 947 citations,
February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.
4025 citations,
December 2003 in “Human Reproduction” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.
63 citations,
March 2011 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Evaluate postmenopausal women with high androgen levels using medical history, physical exams, lab tests, and imaging to manage health risks.
[object Object] 352 citations,
January 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Most women referred for excess male hormone symptoms had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with other conditions being less common.