Use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist in the evaluation of postmenopausal virilization due to ovarian hyperthecosis. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Hyperthecosis in a postmenopausal woman is a very rare cause of virilization, and only five cases have been reported previously.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
This case is unique because gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist administration was utilized as both a diagnostic and therapeutic modality.
Koroscil
T M
TM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wright-Patterson United States Air Force Medical Center, Ohio 45433-5529, USA.
Harter
S B
SB
Ouweleen
J
J
Blauer
K L
KL
D000308:Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists*; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000473:pathology; D007044:Hysterectomy; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D010052:Ovariectomy; D010053:Ovary / Q000473:pathology; D017698:Postmenopause; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014770:Virilism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
D000728:Androgens; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP); D006062:Gonadotropins; D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; D016729:Leuprolide