Postmenopausal Hyperandrogenism Due to an Ovarian Sex Cord-Stromal Tumor Causing Elevated Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate: A Case Report

    July 2022 in “ BMC Women s Health ”
    Manilka Sumanatilleke, Nipun Lakshitha de Silva, Gayani Ranaweera, Chinthaka Appuhamy, Kanishka Karunaratne, M. V. Chandu de Silva
    TLDR An ovarian tumor can cause high male hormones in postmenopausal women.
    This case report described a 76-year-old postmenopausal woman who developed hyperandrogenism, with symptoms of hirsutism and male-type alopecia, due to an ovarian sex cord-stromal tumour. Contrary to the common belief that elevated dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels indicate an adrenal source, this patient's elevated DHEAS was due to the ovarian tumour. Surgical removal of the tumour normalized both testosterone and DHEAS levels, confirming the ovarian origin of the androgen excess. This case challenged the typical diagnostic approach and suggested the need for further research into the pathophysiological mechanisms.
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