Hyperthecosis
Hyperthecosis is a medical condition that affects the ovaries. It is characterized by the presence of an excessive number of theca cells in the ovaries. These cells produce androgens, which are male hormones. When there is an overproduction of these hormones, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hirsutism, acne, menstrual irregularities, and infertility. Hyperthecosis is often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but it can also occur independently.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The term "hyperthecosis" is derived from the Greek words "hyper," meaning "over," and "theca," which refers to a case or sheath. In this context, it refers to the overproduction of theca cells in the ovaries.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The symptoms of hyperthecosis are similar to those of PCOS and can include:
- Hirsutism: This is the presence of excessive body hair in areas where men typically have hair, such as the face, chest, and back.
- Acne: Overproduction of androgens can lead to acne.
- Menstrual irregularities: Women with hyperthecosis may have irregular periods or may stop having periods altogether.
- Infertility: The hormonal imbalances caused by hyperthecosis can make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Hyperthecosis is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. The doctor may order blood tests to measure the levels of various hormones in the body. An ultrasound may also be used to examine the ovaries and look for the presence of multiple small cysts, which is a characteristic feature of hyperthecosis.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for hyperthecosis typically involves managing the symptoms and may include:
- Hormone therapy: This can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms such as hirsutism and acne.
- Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help to manage symptoms and improve overall health.
- Fertility treatments: If infertility is a concern, various treatments are available to help a woman become pregnant.
See also[edit | edit source]
| Hyperthecosis Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
