Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mimicking an Androgen-Secreting Tumor
April 2012
in “
Journal of pediatric & adolescent gynecology
”
TLDR A young girl with high testosterone was thought to have a tumor but actually had PCOS, which was treated with birth control pills.
A 12-year-old female presented with symptoms of hirsutism, acne, irregular periods, and elevated testosterone levels, initially suggesting an androgen-secreting tumor. However, further investigations, including ultrasounds and MRI, revealed no tumors but indicated polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with insulin resistance. Her androgen levels normalized after treatment with oral contraceptive pills, though she experienced mild breakthrough bleeding and no significant change in unwanted hair growth. This case highlighted that PCOS can present with virilization and rapidly increasing testosterone levels, with severe hyperinsulinemia contributing to hyperandrogenism. The therapeutic effects of oral contraceptive pills in treating PCOS were confirmed.
