Postmenopausal Ovarian Hyperthecosis Associated with Rapid Testosterone Excess

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

Ovarian hyperthecosis (OH) is a rare cause of hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women.

Cases:

This article reports 2 cases of postmenopausal women with recent onset hirsutism and androgenic alopecia. Imaging helped confirm an ovarian source of the excess testosterone.

Results:

Bilateral oophorectomy confirmed the diagnosis of OH and led to normalization of serum testosterone. One patient had a unilateral adrenalectomy to remove an adrenal mass with persistently elevated testosterone prior to the oophorectomy.

Conclusions:

Neoplastic sources must be ruled out with respect to hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women. OH, although uncommon, should be in the differential diagnoses. (J GYNECOL 34:36)