Postmenopausal Hyperandrogenism Due to Rare Ovarian Tumor
October 2024
in “
Journal of the Endocrine Society
”
Studysummary In this case report, a 66-year-old postmenopausal woman with hyperandrogenism and alopecia underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which revealed rare synchronous ovarian tumors causing virilization, highlighting the importance of surgical exploration despite normal imaging.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A 66-year-old postmenopausal woman with a history of diabetes and breast cancer presented with worsening alopecia and other signs of hyperandrogenism. Laboratory tests revealed elevated testosterone and androstenedione levels. Imaging showed a stable left adrenal nodule, but no ovarian abnormalities. Adrenal and ovarian vein sampling indicated the ovaries as the testosterone source. A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) was performed, revealing bilateral Leydig cell tumors and a left ovarian Brenner tumor. Post-surgery, the patient's alopecia resolved, and testosterone levels normalized. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of postmenopausal hyperandrogenism and the necessity of BSO for accurate diagnosis and management.
