A Virilizing Ovarian Tumor in a Postmenopausal Woman

Androgen-producing ovarian tumors are a relatively uncommon but serious cause of virilization in postmenopausal women. We present the case of a 70-year-old woman referred for evaluation of virilization which developed over 5 months. Clinical examinations and investigations suggested that the source of androgen excess was ovarian origin. An ovarian tumor was confirmed (Leydig cell tumor) and removed at laparotomy. The serum androgen level returned to normal soon postoperatively. It is emphasized here that evidence of virilization is a key feature that requires investigation.