Hyperthecosis

Last updated
Hyperthecosis
Other namesOvarian hyperthecosis
Specialty Gynecology

Hyperthecosis, or ovarian hyperthecosis, is hyperplasia of the theca interna of the ovary. [1] Hyperthecosis occurs when an area of luteinization occurs along with stromal hyperplasia. The luteinized cells produce androgens, which may lead to hirsutism and virilization (or masculinization) in affected women. [2]

Contents

The term hyperthecosis refers to the presence of nests of luteinized theca cells in the ovarian stroma due to differentiation of the ovarian interstitial cells into steroidogenically active luteinized stromal cells. These nests or islands of luteinized theca cells are scattered throughout the stroma of the ovary, rather than being confined to areas around cystic follicles as in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These luteinized theca cells result in greater production of androgens.

Seen as a severe form of PCOS, the clinical features of hyperthecosis are similar to those of PCOS. [3] Women with hyperthecosis often have more markedly elevated testosterone, more hirsutism, and are much more likely to be virilized. [4] While elevated androgens in postmenopausal women is rare, [5] hyperthecosis can present in both premenopausal or postmenopausal women. Women with hyperthecosis may or may not have always had underlying PCOS. [6]

Cause

The etiology of hyperthecosis is unknown, however evidence suggests a possibility of genetic transmission. Hyperthecosis has been documented in familiar patterns. [7] Insulin resistance may also play a role in the pathogenesis of hyperthecosis. Women with hyperthecosis have a significant degree of insulin resistance and insulin may stimulate the ovarian stromal androgen synthesis. [8]

Prognosis

Although no large studies showing the long term outcomes for women with hyperthecosis exist, a diagnosis of hyperthecosis may suggest an increased risk for metabolic complications of hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes . [9] In postmenopausal women, hyperthecosis may also contribute to the pathogenesis of endometrial polyp, endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrioid adenocarcinoma due to the association of hyperestrinism (excess estrins in the body) and hyperthecosis. [10] Treatment for hyperthecosis is based upon each case, but may range from pharmacological interventions to surgical. [11]

See also

Related Research Articles

Polycystic ovary syndrome Set of symptoms caused by elevated androgens in females

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. The syndrome is named after the characteristic cysts which may form on the ovaries, though it is important to note that this is a sign and not the underlying cause of the disorder.

Hirsutism Hair growth on a woman, generally causing a full beard to grow

Hirsutism is excessive body hair on parts of the body where hair is normally absent or minimal. The word is from early 17th century: from Latin hirsutus meaning "hairy". It may refer to a "male" pattern of hair growth that may be a sign of a more serious medical condition, especially if it develops well after puberty. Cultural stigma against hirsutism can cause much psychological distress and social difficulty. Discrimination based on facial hirsutism often leads to the avoidance of social situations and to symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age. Physiological states of amenorrhoea are seen, most commonly, during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding). Outside the reproductive years, there is absence of menses during childhood and after menopause.

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Ovarian cancer Cancer originating in or on the ovary

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Sex cord–gonadal stromal tumour Medical condition

Sex cord–gonadal stromal tumour is a group of tumors derived from the stromal component of the ovary and testis, which comprises the granulosa, thecal cells and fibrocytes. In contrast, the epithelial cells originate from the outer epithelial lining surrounding the gonad while the germ cell tumors arise from the precursor cells of the gametes, hence the name germ cell. In humans, this group accounts for 8% of ovarian cancers and under 5% of testicular cancers. Their diagnosis is histological: only a biopsy of the tumour can make an exact diagnosis. They are often suspected of being malignant prior to operation, being solid ovarian tumours that tend to occur most commonly in post menopausal women.

Hyperandrogenism Medical condition

Hyperandrogenism is a medical condition characterized by high levels of androgens. It is more common in women than men. Symptoms of hyperandrogenism may include acne, seborrhea, hair loss on the scalp, increased body or facial hair, and infrequent or absent menstruation. Complications may include high blood cholesterol and diabetes. It occurs in approximately 5% of women of reproductive age.

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The theca folliculi comprise a layer of the ovarian follicles. They appear as the follicles become secondary follicles.

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Endometrial hyperplasia Medical condition

Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition of excessive proliferation of the cells of the endometrium, or inner lining of the uterus.

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HAIR-AN syndrome Medical condition

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Gonadotropin surge-attenuating factor (GnSAF) is a nonsteroidal ovarian hormone produced by the granulosa cells of small antral ovarian follicles in females. GnSAF is involved in regulating the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary and the ovarian cycle. During the early to mid-follicular phase of the ovarian cycle, GnSAF acts on the anterior pituitary to attenuate LH release, limiting the secretion of LH to only basal levels. At the transition between follicular and luteal phase, GnSAF bioactivity declines sufficiently to permit LH secretion above basal levels, resulting in the mid-cycle LH surge that initiates ovulation. In normally ovulating women, the LH surge only occurs when the oocyte is mature and ready for extrusion. GnSAF bioactivity is responsible for the synchronised, biphasic nature of LH secretion.

References

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  10. Zhang, Cunxian; Sung, C. James; Quddus, M. Ruhul; Simon, Rochelle A.; Jazaerly, Tarek; Lawrence, W. Dwayne (2017-01-01). "Association of ovarian hyperthecosis with endometrial polyp, endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrioid adenocarcinoma in postmenopausal women: a clinicopathological study of 238 cases". Human Pathology. 59: 120–124. doi:10.1016/j.humpath.2016.09.021. ISSN   0046-8177. PMID   27746268.
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