TLDR A postmenopausal woman's excess male hormone symptoms improved after her ovaries were removed.
A 55-year-old postmenopausal woman with symptoms of fatigue, male pattern hair loss, and hirsutism was diagnosed with ovarian hyperthecosis, a rare condition causing excess androgen production. Elevated testosterone levels and a GnRH analog stimulation test confirmed the ovaries as the source of excess androgens. After undergoing a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, a procedure to remove both ovaries and fallopian tubes, her testosterone levels normalized and symptoms improved. This case highlights the importance of considering ovarian hyperthecosis as a potential diagnosis in postmenopausal women with signs of hyperandrogenism.
4 citations,
November 2018 in “Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports” GnRH analogue can help diagnose ovarian causes of high testosterone in postmenopausal women when scans don't show the cause.
14 citations,
February 2016 in “Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research” Blood tests are needed to confirm high male hormone levels in women with PCOS, as physical signs alone are not reliable.
3 citations,
January 2012 in “Hanyang Medical Reviews” The document concludes that more research is needed to create suitable diagnostic criteria and understand PCOS in Korean women, and genetics may allow for personalized treatment.
85 citations,
June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.
1 citations,
April 1993 in “Problemy e̊ndokrinologii” Spironolactone effectively reduces symptoms of hyperandrogenism like hirsutism and acne.
