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Virilization

 

Virilization is a condition in which a female develops characteristics associated with male hormones (androgens), or when a newborn has characteristics of male hormone exposure at birth.

Information

Virilization may be caused by:

  • Excess testosterone production
  • Use of anabolic steroids

In newborn boys or girls, the condition may be caused by:

  • Certain medicines taken by the mother during pregnancy
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the baby or the mother
  • Other medical conditions in the mother (such as tumors of the ovaries or adrenal glands that release male hormones)

In girls who are going through puberty, the condition may be caused by:

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Certain medicines, or anabolic steroids
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
  • Tumors of the ovaries, or adrenal glands that release male hormones (androgens)

In adult women, the condition may be caused by:

  • Certain medicines, or anabolic steroids
  • Tumors of the ovaries or adrenal glands that release male hormones

Signs of virilization in a female often depend on the level of testosterone in the body.

Low level (common):

  • Thick, dark facial hair in the beard or mustache area
  • Increase in body hair
  • Oily skin or acne
  • Irregular menstrual periods

Moderate level (uncommon):

  • Male-pattern baldness
  • Loss of female fat distribution
  • Decreased breast size

High level (rare):

  • Enlargement of the clitoris
  • Deepening of the voice
  • Male muscle pattern

Tests may include:

  • Blood tests to detect excess testosterone in females
  • CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to rule out tumors of the ovaries and adrenal glands

 

References

Bright TM. Hirsutism and virilization. In: McDermott MT, ed. Endocrine Secrets . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 48.

Gooren LJ. The endocrinology of sexual behavior and gender identity. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 124.

 
  • Hypothalamus hormone production - illustration

    The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that produces the "controlling" hormones. These hormones regulate body processes such as metabolism, and control the release of hormones from glands like the thyroid, the adrenals and the gonads (testes or ovaries).

    Hypothalamus hormone production

    illustration

    • Hypothalamus hormone production - illustration

      The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that produces the "controlling" hormones. These hormones regulate body processes such as metabolism, and control the release of hormones from glands like the thyroid, the adrenals and the gonads (testes or ovaries).

      Hypothalamus hormone production

      illustration


     

    Review Date: 4/23/2015

    Reviewed By: Brent Wisse, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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