[The ovarian origin of hiperandrogenism in the postmenopausal woman the adrenal adenoma--a case report].

Abstract

Hyperandrogenism is a clinical condition characterized by excessive secretion of male sex hormones. An excess amount of androgens in women is manifested by symptoms of defeminization and masculinization. Hormonally active adrenal and ovarian tumors and non-tumor causes must be considered in the differential diagnosis. The authors describe the case of a 77-year-old patient who had hirsutism and reduction of the timbre of the voice. At the beginning she was suspected to have adrenal hyperandrogenism because of the tumor in the adrenal gland. Then adrenalectomy was conducted but it did not lead to alleviate symptoms. A MRI of the pelvis revealed a change of appendages projection and the patient underwent the total hysterectomy. The normalization of testosterone levels as well as reduction of the symptoms was observed after the operation. Finally, the ovary etiology of hyperandrogenism was confirmed. This case report is an example of difficulties in recognition the etiology of hyperandrogenism.