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What labs to get in a woman with virilization (hirsutism, hair loss, etc)

A) Serum testosterone, DHEAS, 17-hydroxyprogesterone
B) Serum cortisol, ACTH, aldosterone
C) Serum estradiol, LH, FSH
D) Serum thyroxine, TSH, TRH

User Lxvs
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Final answer:

For a woman with virilization symptoms, labs to measure serum testosterone, DHEAS, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone are appropriate, as they assess androgen levels that can lead to masculinization, such as hirsutism and male-pattern baldness.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a woman with signs of virilization such as hirsutism and hair loss, the appropriate labs to get would be serum testosterone, DHEAS, 17-hydroxyprogesterone. These tests are chosen because they measure the levels of androgens and can help in identifying conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and other disorders of the adrenal gland or ovaries that could lead to excess androgen production. Notably, high levels of androgens in females can lead to masculinization, including increased facial and body hair and male-pattern baldness.

Testosterone is produced by the ovaries and DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands; these hormones are implicated in cases of virilization. The 17-hydroxyprogesterone test is also helpful for diagnosing congenital adrenal hyperplasia or other adrenal disorders. It's important to work with healthcare providers to determine the cause of the symptoms and explore potential treatment options.

User Hft
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