TLDR A woman's excessive hair growth and masculine features were due to a rare benign ovarian tumor and endometrial cancer, which improved after surgery.
A 71-year-old woman with a 10-year history of postmenopausal hirsutism and virilization underwent a total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy after elevated androgen levels and postmenopausal vaginal bleeding suggested an ovarian source of hyperandrogenism. The surgery revealed a Leydig cell tumor in the left ovary and endometrial carcinoma. Her hirsutism improved within a month post-surgery, and she was referred for further oncological treatment. The case underscores the need for thorough evaluation of virilization in postmenopausal women, as it can indicate life-threatening tumors and have serious health implications. Leydig cell tumors are rare and usually benign, but the long-term effects of increased androgen levels in postmenopausal women are not well understood.
5 citations,
January 2017 in “Acta Endocrinologica” High androgen levels in postmenopausal women may suggest an ovarian tumor, and removing it can improve heart and metabolic health.
84 citations,
September 2014 in “European journal of endocrinology” Doctors should check for serious tumor causes of high androgen levels in postmenopausal women and more research is needed on this condition.
22 citations,
February 2014 in “Arquivos Brasileiros De Endocrinologia E Metabologia” An 81-year-old woman's severe male hormone symptoms were caused by an ovarian tumor, which was treated with surgery.
378 citations,
November 2011 in “Human reproduction update” Experts recommend using evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat hirsutism, focusing on symptoms and underlying causes.
63 citations,
March 2011 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Evaluate postmenopausal women with high androgen levels using medical history, physical exams, lab tests, and imaging to manage health risks.
22 citations,
February 2014 in “Arquivos Brasileiros De Endocrinologia E Metabologia” An 81-year-old woman's severe male hormone symptoms were caused by an ovarian tumor, which was treated with surgery.
5 citations,
October 2013 in “Endocrine” Blood tests can detect ovarian Leydig cell tumors when scans don't, and surgery can confirm and treat these tumors.
10 citations,
May 2009 in “Cases Journal” A woman's masculine symptoms were caused by an ovarian tumor, which improved after surgery.
December 2013 in “Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences” Ovarian steroid cell tumors should be considered in adults with hirsutism and high testosterone, with surgery as the main treatment.
1 citations,
January 2006 Hirsutism is mainly caused by high androgen levels or sensitivity, with PCOS being the most common cause.
