Use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in the evaluation of postmenopausal virilization due to ovarian hyperthecosis. A case report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hyperthecosis in a postmenopausal woman is a very rare cause of virilization, and only five cases have been reported previously.

CASE:

A woman presented with a nine-year history of increasing hirsutism and a mild virilization beginning in the perimenopausal period. Initial androgen metabolite concentrations suggested attenuated late-onset adrenal hyperplasia, but a trial of dexamethasone treatment was ineffective. Subsequent use of leuprolide acetate resulted in a biochemical and clinical improvement in the signs and symptoms.

CONCLUSION:

This case is unique because gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist administration was utilized as both a diagnostic and therapeutic modality.

• Authors: T M Koroscil, S B Harter, J Ouweleen, K L Blauer
• Journal: The Journal of reproductive medicine (J Reprod Med) Vol. 41 Issue 4 Pg. 259-62 (Apr 1996) ISSN: 0024-7758 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8728079 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Androgens
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)
• Gonadotropins
• Progesterone Congeners
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
• Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
• Leuprolide

Topics

• Adrenocortical Hyperfunction (blood, etiology, physiopathology)
• Androgens (blood)
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) (therapeutic use)
• Fallopian Tubes (surgery)
• Female
• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (agonists)
• Gonadotropins (blood)
• Humans
• Hyperplasia (pathology)
• Hysterectomy
• Leuprolide (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Ovarian Diseases (complications, pathology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Ovariectomy
• Ovary (pathology)
• Postmenopause
• Progesterone Congeners (therapeutic use)
• Virilism (diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology)