A rare case of postmenopausal hyperandrogenism due to ovarian hyperthecosis and hilus cell hyperplasia

Post Reprod Health. 2022 Mar;28(1):51-55. doi: 10.1177/20533691211073451. Epub 2022 Feb 10.

Abstract

Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism is rare, and without consensus on specific investigative indices, diagnosis is challenging. A 77-year-old woman had a three-year history of hirsutism, male-pattern baldness and increased libido alongside elevated androstenedione, total testosterone and free androgen index levels. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed bilateral ovarian lesions, suggesting ovarian hyperthecosis. Histopathology obtained after a laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy confirmed ovarian hyperthecosis and hilus cell hyperplasia. We believe it's the first time they have been reported to occur in combination. The symptoms resolved within a month of surgery. This case highlights the difficulties of diagnosis alongside demonstrating the importance of management by a multidisciplinary team.

Keywords: Postmenopause; hilus cell hyperplasia; hyperandrogenism; ovarian hyperthecosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperandrogenism* / diagnosis
  • Hyperandrogenism* / etiology
  • Hyperplasia
  • Male
  • Ovarian Cysts*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms*
  • Postmenopause
  • Testosterone

Substances

  • Testosterone