[Post-menopausal ovarian hyperthecosis]

Gynecol Obstet Fertil. 2012 May;40(5):316-9. doi: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2011.07.049. Epub 2012 Feb 14.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Ovarian hyperthecosis is infrequent but it represents the first cause of post-menopausal hyperandrogenia. Pathophysiology of ovarian hyperthecosis remains poorly understood but the metabolic syndrome observed in most patients suggests that insulin resistance associated with high, postmenopausal LH levels, might play a role as in polycystic ovarian syndrome. We report here four patients who presented post-menopausal hyperandrogenia. Although high, tumoral, plasma testosterone levels, lack of focused radiological lesions except enlarged ovaries, associated to the metabolic syndrome, suggested ovarian hyperthecosis. Bilateral annexectomy allowed histological confirmation of hyperthecosis showing specific luteinized stromal cells and led to the complete suppression of the inappropriate androgen secretion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperandrogenism
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovariectomy
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / etiology
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / surgery
  • Postmenopause*
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Testosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone