Ovarian Hyperthecosis in a 62-Year-Old Woman Presenting with Hyperandrogenism and Elevated Testosterone

    January 2026 in “ Brazilian Journal of Development ”
    Rhaissa Martins de Oliveira, Iasmin Schumann Seabra Martins, Daniel Sant’Anna da Silva, Rízia Andrade Protes Faria, Mirella Hansen de Almeida, Elaine Maria dos Santos Gomes, Bruna Binda Milaneze Frisso
    TLDR Early diagnosis and surgery can improve symptoms of ovarian hyperthecosis in postmenopausal women.
    Ovarian hyperthecosis is identified as a rare cause of hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women, characterized by the proliferation of luteinized stromal cells and excessive androgen production. This article presents the case of a 62-year-old woman experiencing progressive hirsutism, androgenetic alopecia, and voice deepening, with significantly elevated testosterone levels. Imaging showed bilateral ovarian enlargement with stromal hyperplasia. The patient underwent bilateral oophorectomy, and histopathology confirmed ovarian hyperthecosis. Post-surgery, the patient experienced clinical improvement and hormonal normalization. The study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and surgical management for substantial symptom improvement and suggests considering this condition in the differential diagnosis of hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women.
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