A 30-year-old female visits her physician with a complaint of excess facial and body hair,weight gain,and oligomenorrhea.She has read online that her symptoms indicate possible Cushing syndrome.Laboratory values indicate plasma cortisol levels within the reference intervals,elevated estrogen and LH,and decreased FSH.What other disorder might this patient have?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms and laboratory values are consistent with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which can cause excess hair growth (hirsutism), menstrual irregularities, and weight gain. Elevated levels of estrogen and LH and decreased FSH are commonly seen in PCOS. Cortisol levels within reference intervals indicate that Cushing syndrome is not the likely cause of these symptoms. Conn syndrome involves excess aldosterone secretion and is not consistent with this patient's laboratory values. Ovarian tumors can cause similar symptoms but would require further imaging studies for diagnosis. Adult onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia can also cause excess hair growth and menstrual irregularities, but elevated cortisol levels are typically present.

A 30-Year-Old Female Visits Her Physician with a Complaint of Excess