TLDR Leydig cell tumors can cause high testosterone and symptoms in postmenopausal women, and removing them improves symptoms.
This article discusses a rare case of a 62-year-old postmenopausal woman diagnosed with an ovarian Leydig cell tumor, a rare cause of hyperandrogenism. The patient exhibited symptoms such as androgenic alopecia, hirsutism, and oily skin, which were initially attributed to aging. Elevated testosterone levels were confirmed through biochemical testing, and an MRI identified a mass in the left ovary. Surgical removal of the tumor led to significant improvement in symptoms, including reduced hair loss and hirsutism. This case highlights the importance of considering Leydig cell tumors in the differential diagnosis of postmenopausal hyperandrogenism and the need for thorough evaluation to alleviate patient distress.
November 2018 in “Endocrine Abstracts” A woman's high testosterone levels were caused by a rare ovarian tumor, not the initially diagnosed condition.
27 citations,
April 2017 in “European journal of endocrinology” The research found that MRI and certain hormone levels can help tell apart ovarian tumors from hyperthecosis in postmenopausal women, but tissue analysis is still needed for a definite diagnosis.
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.
April 2020 in “International journal of reproduction, contraception, obstetrics and gynecology” A postmenopausal woman with hair loss and hirsutism improved after surgery to remove an ovarian tumor.
4 citations,
March 2021 in “Case Reports” A woman's excessive hair growth and masculine features were due to a rare benign ovarian tumor and endometrial cancer, which improved after surgery.
36 citations,
May 2011 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Treatment with a hormone agonist can reduce excess male hormones in postmenopausal women without surgery.
