New onset alopecia and hirsutism in a postmenopausal women
January 2009
in “Gynecological Endocrinology”
TLDR A postmenopausal woman's hair loss and excess hair growth improved after surgery for ovarian hyperthecosis.
In a 2009 study, a 73-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with new onset of androgenic alopecia and hirsutism. Despite initial tests showing no adrenal or ovarian tumors, further evaluation revealed increased ovarian size. She underwent bilateral ovarectomy, which confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian hyperthecosis (OH) through histopathological examination. After the surgery, her testosterone levels returned to normal, and her symptoms of hirsutism and alopecia improved. This case underscores the necessity of considering OH in the differential diagnosis for postmenopausal women with recent hyperandrogenism and the importance of thorough imaging reviews, as OH can be difficult to detect.
View this study on tandfonline.com →
Cited in this study
research Androgenetic alopecia in a postmenopausal woman as a result of ovarian hyperthecosis
Hair loss in postmenopausal woman caused by ovarian issue.
Related
research Hyperandrogenism in a Postmenopausal Woman Secondary to Testosterone Secreting Ovarian Stromal Tumor with Acoustic Schwannoma
A 63-year-old woman's male-like symptoms were caused by a rare testosterone-producing ovarian tumor, treated by removing her ovaries and fallopian tubes.
research Utilisation of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue to differentiate ovarian from adrenal hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women
GnRH analogue can help diagnose ovarian causes of high testosterone in postmenopausal women when scans don't show the cause.
research An unusual circulating steroid profile in a virilized postmenopausal woman
A 68-year-old woman developed male traits due to a tumor in her ovary, which was removed, returning her hormone levels to normal.
research Postmenopausal Ovarian Hyperthecosis Associated with Rapid Testosterone Excess
Removing both ovaries can treat increased testosterone and related symptoms in postmenopausal women with ovarian hyperthecosis.
research Clinical Case Seminar: Postmenopausal androgen excess-challenges in diagnostic work-up and management of ovarian thecosis
The conclusion is that removing both ovaries is the best treatment for excess male hormones in postmenopausal women, with medication as another option, and managing insulin resistance is important for diagnosis and treatment.
research Discriminating between virilizing ovary tumors and ovary hyperthecosis in postmenopausal women: clinical data, hormonal profiles and image studies
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.
research Ovarian hyperthecosis coexisting with an incidental adrenal lesion: challenges in the diagnostic approach
Using GnRHa agonists helps diagnose and treat ovarian hyperthecosis when surgery isn't possible.
research The clinical evaluation of hirsutism
Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in women often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, and identifying the cause is important for managing associated health risks.