TLDR Postmenopausal women with excess male hormones may have ovarian tumors, and surgery usually cures them.
Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism, characterized by symptoms like hirsutism and virilization, can indicate androgen-secreting tumors, primarily of ovarian origin. In 2023, three cases were studied, revealing that two patients had Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors. These findings highlight the importance of thorough evaluation to prevent misdiagnosis, as surgical intervention typically leads to complete recovery.
84 citations
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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.
November 2022 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism, a condition with symptoms like increased hair growth and acne, is usually caused by PCOS but can also be due to other factors. It's diagnosed by checking testosterone levels and treated either by removing the adrenal tumor or through antiandrogen therapy.
27 citations
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April 2017 in “European journal of endocrinology” The research found that MRI and certain hormone levels can help tell apart ovarian tumors from hyperthecosis in postmenopausal women, but tissue analysis is still needed for a definite diagnosis.
January 2025 in “Case Reports in Endocrinology” Accurate diagnosis of rare hyperandrogenism conditions requires detailed testing and sometimes invasive procedures.
4 citations
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December 2018 in “Case reports in endocrinology” A 63-year-old woman's male-like symptoms were caused by a rare testosterone-producing ovarian tumor, treated by removing her ovaries and fallopian tubes.
5 citations
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October 2013 in “Endocrine” Blood tests can detect ovarian Leydig cell tumors when scans don't, and surgery can confirm and treat these tumors.
