Androgen-Secreting Tumors (Ovarian or Adrenal)
What is Androgen-Secreting Tumors (Ovarian or Adrenal)?
Androgen-secreting tumors are rare growths in the ovaries or adrenal glands that produce excess male hormones called androgens. These tumors cause the body to make far more testosterone than normal for women. Most of these tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancer, but some can be malignant.
When these tumors develop, they disrupt the normal hormone balance in the body. Women may experience rapid onset of masculine features that develop over weeks or months. The most common androgen produced is testosterone, which shows up as markedly elevated levels in blood tests.
These tumors are quite rare and account for less than 1% of cases involving excess androgen production in women. Early detection through blood testing is important because it allows doctors to find and remove the tumor before it grows larger or spreads.
Symptoms
- Rapid growth of facial or body hair in unusual patterns
- Deepening of the voice that happens quickly
- Male pattern baldness or thinning hair on the scalp
- Increased muscle mass and body size
- Enlargement of the clitoris
- Loss of menstrual periods or irregular cycles
- Severe acne that appears suddenly
- Decrease in breast size
- Increased sex drive
The key feature of androgen-secreting tumors is how quickly symptoms develop. Changes typically happen over weeks to months rather than years. Some women may notice only mild symptoms at first, but progression is usually rapid once the tumor becomes active.
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Causes and risk factors
Androgen-secreting tumors develop when cells in the ovaries or adrenal glands begin to grow abnormally and produce excess testosterone. The exact cause of why these cells become tumor cells is not fully understood. Most cases happen sporadically with no clear family history or genetic link.
Ovarian tumors that produce androgens include Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors and certain types of ovarian stromal tumors. Adrenal tumors that make excess androgens are typically adenomas or, less commonly, adrenal cancer. Risk factors are not well defined because these tumors are so rare. They can occur at any age but are most often found in women of reproductive age between 20 and 40 years old.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with blood testing to measure testosterone levels. Rite Aid offers testing for free testosterone, which is markedly elevated in women with androgen-secreting tumors. Levels are typically much higher than what is seen in other conditions that cause excess androgens like polycystic ovary syndrome.
When blood tests show very high testosterone levels, doctors will order imaging studies to locate the tumor. This usually includes ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI of the ovaries and adrenal glands. Finding the exact location helps determine the best treatment approach. Additional blood tests may measure other hormones to rule out different conditions.
Treatment options
- Surgical removal of the tumor is the primary treatment for most cases
- Laparoscopic surgery for smaller tumors with faster recovery time
- Complete removal of the affected ovary or adrenal gland if needed
- Hormone levels typically return to normal within weeks after surgery
- Regular monitoring with blood tests after surgery to check for recurrence
- Chemotherapy or radiation for malignant tumors that have spread
- Medications to block androgen effects may be used temporarily before surgery
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- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
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Frequently asked questions
The most telling sign is rapid development of masculine features over weeks to months. This includes sudden facial hair growth, voice deepening, or loss of periods. A blood test showing very high testosterone levels combined with imaging studies can confirm the diagnosis. If you notice these changes happening quickly, see a doctor right away.
Free testosterone levels significantly above the normal female range warrant investigation for tumors. In women with androgen-secreting tumors, levels are often 5 to 10 times higher than normal or more. Your doctor will interpret your specific results and determine if imaging is needed. Rite Aid offers testing for free testosterone as part of our health panel.
Most androgen-secreting tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancer. However, some can be malignant, especially certain adrenal tumors. The size, appearance on imaging, and how quickly symptoms developed help doctors assess cancer risk. Surgical removal and pathology testing provide the final diagnosis.
Symptoms typically develop rapidly over weeks to months rather than years. This quick onset is one of the key features that distinguishes tumors from other causes of high androgens. Women often notice dramatic changes in a short period. The speed of symptom development usually prompts medical evaluation.
Yes, androgen-secreting tumors usually stop ovulation and menstrual periods. The excess testosterone disrupts normal reproductive hormone balance. However, fertility typically returns after the tumor is removed and hormone levels normalize. Many women can conceive naturally after successful treatment.
Both types produce excess androgens but originate in different organs. Ovarian tumors grow in the reproductive organs, while adrenal tumors develop in the small glands above the kidneys. Imaging studies help determine the location. Treatment approach is similar, with surgical removal being the primary option for both.
Most symptoms improve significantly after tumor removal. Testosterone levels usually return to normal within weeks. Hair growth patterns, voice changes, and menstrual cycles typically improve, though some changes like voice deepening may be partially permanent. Regular follow-up testing helps monitor recovery.
Your doctor will recommend regular blood testing to monitor testosterone levels after surgery. Testing is usually done every 3 to 6 months for the first year, then annually if results remain normal. Ongoing monitoring helps catch any recurrence early. Rite Aid makes it easy to track your testosterone levels over time.
Lifestyle changes cannot treat or shrink the tumor itself. Surgery is the necessary treatment to remove the source of excess hormones. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports recovery after surgery and helps your body restore normal hormone balance. Focus on nutrition, stress management, and regular medical follow-up.
Polycystic ovary syndrome causes mildly elevated androgens that develop slowly over years. Androgen-secreting tumors cause very high testosterone levels with rapid symptom onset over weeks to months. PCOS is managed with lifestyle and medication, while tumors require surgical removal. Blood test levels and symptom timeline help doctors distinguish between the two conditions.