Postmenopausal onset of androgen excess: a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm based on extensive clinical experience

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism is a rare condition that requires identifying those women bearing a life-threatening tumor. We aimed to study diagnostic work-up and management of postmenopausal androgen excess, proposing an algorithm for clinical decision supporting. Methods We conducted an observational cross-sectional study and longitudinal follow-up including 51 consecutive menopausal patients reported for hyperandrogenism between 2003 and 2023 to our clinics. We assessed diagnostic testing accuracy and performance by receiver operating characteristic curves, their respective areas under the curve (AUCROC), and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), for distinguishing between benign and malignant conditions, and androgen excess source. Results Most commonly, postmenopausal hyperandrogenism derived from benign conditions such as ovarian hyperthecosis (n = 9). However, four (8%) patients had borderline/malignant tumors arising at the ovaries (n = 3) or adrenals (n = 1). These latter were more likely to develop virilization than those with benign disorders [specificity(95%CI)]: 0.87 (0.69; 0.92)]. Circulating total testosterone [AUCROC(95%CI): 0.899 (0.795; 1.000)] and estradiol [AUCROC(95%CI): 0.912 (0.812; 1.000)] concentrations showed good performances for discriminating between both conditions. Transvaginal-ultrasonography found two out of three potentially malignant ovarian neoplasms, and another was apparent on a pelvic computed tomography scan. An adrenal computed tomography scan also located an androgen-secreting carcinoma. Conclusions Clinical or biochemical features of an aggressive androgen-secreting tumor should lead to urgently obtaining a targeted imaging. At first, an abdominal-pelvic CT scan represents the best choice to perceive adrenal malignancy, and may identify aggressive ovarian tumors. When warning signs are lacking, a calm and orderly work-up allows properly addressing the diagnostic challenge of postmenopausal hyperandrogenism.