A Case of Ovarian Hyperthecosis in a Postmenopausal Woman

November 2023 in “ JCEM Case Reports ”

Saira Yousaf, Ryizan Nizar, Lawrence John, Aaron Simpson

ovarian hyperthecosis androgen testosterone GnRH analog stimulation test bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy hyperandrogenism hirsutism male pattern hair loss GnRH test ovary removal surgery androgens hair loss

Studysummary In this case report, a 55-year-old postmenopausal woman was diagnosed with ovarian hyperthecosis as the cause of her hyperandrogenism after detailed hormonal and imaging investigations, which was successfully treated with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, leading to symptom improvement and normalized testosterone levels.

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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.

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research Diagnostic Challenges in Ovarian Hyperthecosis: Clinical Presentation with Subdiagnostic Testosterone Levels

7 citations , January 2022 in “Case Reports in Endocrinology”

This case series observed that ovarian hyperthecosis can manifest with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women, even when serum testosterone levels are below diagnostic thresholds, suggesting potential gaps in current diagnostic criteria.

Utilization of Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone Analogue to Differentiate Ovarian from Adrenal Hyperandrogenism in Postmenopausal Women

research Utilization of Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone Analogue to Differentiate Ovarian from Adrenal Hyperandrogenism in Postmenopausal Women

4 citations , November 2018 in “Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports”

This report describes two cases of postmenopausal hyperandrogenism where GnRH analogue use suggested an ovarian source of excess androgens, leading to a diagnosis of benign ovarian tumors.