TLDR Ovarian hyperthecosis should be considered in young women with severe male-like symptoms and can be managed with hormone treatments.
Ovarian hyperthecosis (OHT) is a rare cause of severe hyperandrogenism in adolescents. This paper presents two cases: Patient A, a 13-year-old with androphonia and hirsutism, had elevated testosterone (8.3 nmol/L) and enlarged ovaries, treated with GnRH agonist and spironolactone; and Patient B, a 14-year-old with secondary amenorrhoea, androphonia, hirsutism, and androgenetic alopecia, had higher testosterone (12 nmol/L) and numerous ovarian follicles, managed with GnRH agonist and oral contraceptives. The study concludes that OHT should be considered in pre-menopausal women with severe hyperandrogenism, emphasizing gonadotropin suppression and hormone replacement for management.
3 citations,
October 2021 in “Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii” Checking the chin, thighs, upper lip, or lower abdomen is enough to predict hirsutism.
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.
2 citations,
January 2012 in “Journal of metabolic syndrome” The document concludes that hirsutism can be managed with various treatments tailored to the individual, potentially improving quality of life.
67 citations,
July 2006 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Androgens cause skin issues like acne and hair growth in women, often due to PCOS, and can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.
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.
467 citations,
October 2014 in “European Journal of Endocrinology” The European Society of Endocrinology advises individualized long-term management for PCOS, focusing on lifestyle changes, accurate diagnosis, and treatments for associated health risks and symptoms.
2 citations,
October 2015 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” The woman's surgery lowered her testosterone and improved scalp hair loss but did not change her excessive body hair.
