What is clitoromegaly?
Clitoromegaly is the enlargement of the erectile tissue of the clitoris. While that might not sound like a such a bad thing, patients are often uncomfortable with how the condition makes their anatomy look.
Is clitoral enlargement common?
In the past, the frequency of clitoromegaly was fairly low and was most commonly associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Now, with the popularity of testosterone pellets for women on the rise, the number of individuals affected by this condition has increased.
Clitoromegaly causes
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is being utilized nationwide to help women with low libido, decreased energy, and many other health issues. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can come in the form of creams, injections, pills, or pellet implants (such as SottoPelle, which we offer here at Austin Urogynecology) and can be prescribed by gynecologists, primary care providers, and med spas. While testosterone replacement therapy is very beneficial to the lives of many women, because the clitoris is the erectile tissue in female genitalia (similar to the penis in men) testosterone treatment has a direct effect on this area, sometimes leading to an enlargement of the tissue.
What to do if you have an enlarged clitoris
It is important to note that clitoral enlargement is not dangerous. If you began experiencing symptoms at a young age, you may need to be examined further by an endocrinologist or by your gynecologist to evaluate the cause of the clitoral enlargement and to discuss possible treatments available.
If you just noticed enlargement after starting testosterone replacement therapy, you probably just need to be evaluated by the physician managing your testosterone. We recommend rechecking labs with your physician as you may need an adjustment in your testosterone dosing.
Management and treatment of enlarged clitoris
For those women who persistently have enlargement, despite treatment and medication management, and are bothered by the appearance, clitoropexy is the ideal surgical procedure to help reduce the protruding tissue.
