A Case of Ovarian Hyperthecosis in a Postmenopausal Woman

    November 2023 in “ JCEM Case Reports
    Saira Yousaf, Ryizan Nizar, Lawrence John, Aaron Simpson
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    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.
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