Ovarian Hyperthecosis as a Cause of Hypersexualization in a Post-Menopausal Female
May 2023
in “
The journal of sexual medicine
”
Studysummary In this study, bilateral oophorectomy was reported as an effective treatment for normalizing androgen levels and resolving hypersexuality and related symptoms in a post-menopausal woman with ovarian hyperthecosis, suggesting its importance in addressing excess androgen production in such cases.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A 75-year-old post-menopausal female with a history of bipolar disorder, Sjogren’s syndrome, and hypothyroidism presented with symptoms of hypersexuality, heavy facial hair, and scalp hair loss. She was diagnosed with Ovarian Hyperthecosis (OH), a rare condition characterized by excessive androgen production, after other causes were ruled out through imaging and lab tests. Treatment with Prozac was attempted but discontinued due to worsening mania. The patient underwent a successful laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which confirmed the diagnosis of OH through surgical pathology. Post-operative results showed normalization of androgen levels, libido, improvement in vulvar contact dermatitis, and increased scalp hair growth. This case highlights the effectiveness of bilateral oophorectomy in treating OH and resolving associated symptoms in post-menopausal women.
