MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Virilization

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Virilization

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition	Information References

Illustrations

Hypothalamus hormone production

Definition Return to top

Virilization is the development of male sex characteristics in a female. It may also refer to the condition of a newborn boy who shows signs of increased male characteristics at birth.

Information Return to top

Virilization may result from too much testosterone production in the endocrine glands or from the use of anabolic steroids.

Female newborns may also show signs of virilization if they or their mothers have a condition known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Signs of virilization in a female may include:

Deepening of the voice
Facial hair
Increase in body hair
Male-pattern baldness
Swelling of the clitoris

Blood tests can be done to detect excess testosterone in females.

References Return to top

Endocrine Society. Androgen therapy in women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(10):2697-3716.

Parker KL. Sexual Differentiation. In: Griffin JE, Ojeda SR. Textbook of Endocrine Physiology. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 2004:167-185.

Update Date: 4/26/2007

Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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