Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Postmenopausal virilization after spousal use of topical androgens
Zaher O Merhi1, Nanette Santoro
1Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York 11219, USA. zom00@hotmail.com
Objective:
To increase awareness of the potential to cause virilization in postmenopausal woman secondary to a spouse's use of topical androgen.
Design:
Case report.
Setting:
University-affiliated teaching hospital.
Patient(S):
A 63-year-old postmenopausal woman with virilization.
Intervention(S):
Removal of the source of androgen exposure.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Regression of the biochemical and physical signs of androgen excess in a woman after cessation of T gel use by her partner, and reinitiation of use with precautions against potential methods of transfer.
Result(S):
This case highlights the unintentional transdermal absorption of testosterone sufficient to induce virilization in a couple who were aware of this potential problem. The apparent source of androgen absorption was a washcloth that the couple shared. The diagnosis can be established with a detailed history and a few blood tests (total and free T, and DHEAS) to exclude other sources of androgens.
Conclusion(S):
This report reinforces the need to consider exogenous androgen exposure in the differential diagnosis of virilization in adults when the more common causes have been excluded.
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