TLDR Leydig cell tumors can cause high testosterone and symptoms like hair loss in postmenopausal women, but surgery can improve these symptoms.
Leydig cell tumors, a rare cause of postmenopausal hyperandrogenism, can lead to symptoms like virilization and androgenic alopecia, as seen in a 62-year-old woman who experienced significant distress due to these changes. Despite initial misattribution to aging, further investigation revealed elevated testosterone levels and a Leydig cell tumor in the left ovary. Surgical removal of the tumor resulted in improved symptoms, including reduced hirsutism and hair loss, and normalized testosterone levels. 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.
12 citations,
March 2018 in “Medicine” A postmenopausal woman's hirsutism and high testosterone levels improved after surgery for an ovarian tumor not seen on ultrasound.
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.
5 citations,
January 2017 in “Acta Endocrinologica” High androgen levels in postmenopausal women may suggest an ovarian tumor, and removing it can improve heart and metabolic health.
1 citations,
February 2016 in “European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology” An 84-year-old woman's hair loss was due to a rare condition called Leydig cell hyperplasia, which was treated with surgery.
2 citations,
August 2011 in “Revista Medica De Chile” A postmenopausal woman's high testosterone levels and symptoms improved after removing a tumor from her ovary.
3 citations,
February 2018 in “Journal of evolution of medical and dental sciences” Some ovarian tumors can cause masculinization, and it's important to check for various causes when this symptom is present.
