Leydig Cell Hyperplasia as a Cause of Virilization in a Postmenopausal Woman: A Case Report

August 2023 in “ Case Reports in Women s Health ”

Anastasia Vatopoulou, Fani Gkrozou, Effrosyni Birbas, Theofilos Kanavos, Chara Skentou, Dimosthenis Miliaras

Leydig cell hyperplasia virilization postmenopausal testosterone hyperandrogenism androgen levels bilateral laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy oophorectomy

TLDR Leydig cell hyperplasia can cause virilization in postmenopausal women and is treatable with surgery.

A 62-year-old postmenopausal woman experienced rapid androgenetic alopecia due to androgen overproduction from Leydig cell hyperplasia in her ovaries. Despite normal imaging, elevated testosterone levels led to a suspicion of Leydig cell hyperplasia, confirmed by histopathology after bilateral laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy. The surgery normalized her androgen levels and resolved her symptoms. The report suggests considering Leydig cell hyperplasia in cases of hyperandrogenism in women, recommending bilateral oophorectomy for treatment and definitive diagnosis in postmenopausal women.

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Research cited in this study

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research Approach to Androgen Excess in Women: Clinical and Biochemical Insights

14 citations , March 2022 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

The document concludes that a systematic approach is crucial to identify causes of androgen excess in women beyond the most common cause, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

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Leydig Cell Hyperplasia as a Cause of Virilization in a Postmenopausal Woman: A Case Report

Research cited in this study

research Approach to Androgen Excess in Women: Clinical and Biochemical Insights

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