Keywords
postmenopause
virilization
testosterone
alopecia
clitoromegaly
How to Cite
Abstract
The literature on hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women is scarce and primarily limited to case reports. In this study, we reviewed the clinical, hormonal, radiological, and post-treatment evolution aspects in 12 patients with this condition. Androgenic alopecia was the most common clinical manifestation and ovarian tumorous cause was the most prevalent. The median testosterone level was 5.1 ng/dl (0.5-8.9) with no significant differences between the tumorous and non-tumorous subgroups. Transvaginal ultrasound allowed for the localization of ovarian lesions in 71.4% of cases, while abdominal computed tomography identified the adrenal source of androgens in 100% of cases. Eighty-three percent (10/12) of patients normalized their total plasmatic testosterone after treatment was initiated. In conclusion, an initial clinical suspicion coupled with the appropriate use of diagnostic methods allows for the timely resolution of this pathology and its complications.
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