2. Introduction of Virilization
Virilization is a condition that causes a female to develop male-pattern hair growth and other
masculine traits. Women with virilization often have an imbalance in the sex hormones oestrogen and
testosterone.
Virilization is caused by an overproduction of testosterone or use of anabolic steroids, synthetic
substances that act like the male hormone testosterone.
3. Causes of Virilization
Any underlying medical condition that causes an imbalance in sex hormone levels can result in
virilization. These conditions are likely to cause adrenal hyperplasia, an overproduction of
hormones in the adrenal cortex. In some cases, the overproduction of adrenal hormones is caused
by an adenoma (cancerous tumour). This type of tumour is normally located within the adrenal
glands.
Other causes of virilization include:
•Use of male hormone supplements
•Use of steroids to increase muscle mass
•Development of ovarian cysts (normally seen in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome)
Cases of virilization caused by PCOS are usually placid. Doctors don’t know exactly what causes
PCOS. However, they believe that high insulin levels and genetics play a role. Women with PCOS
often have masculine characteristics, including male pattern baldness and facial hair.
4. Symptoms of Virilization
Women with this condition often experience male-pattern baldness. They also tend to have an eruption
of acne on the chest, back, face, hairline, underarms and groin.
Other symptoms of virilization include:
•Excessive facial hair (normally located on the cheeks, chin, and upper lip)
•Deepening of the voice
•Increased sex drive
•Smaller than normal breasts
•Enlarged clitoris
•Irregular menstrual cycles
5. Diagnoses of Virilization
Tell your doctor about all the symptoms or physical changes you’ve experienced. Mention any
medications you’re currently taking, including birth control. PCOS tends to run in families, so learning
your family’s medical history can help your doctor determine the cause of your virilization.
If your doctor is unable to diagnose the cause of virilization right away, he or she may take a blood
sample. The blood sample will be tested for the presence of testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone,
and other hormones. increased level of male sex hormones is usually an indication of this condition.
The doctor will perform a test called the dexamethasone suppression test if you have a higher-than-
normal level of androgens in your blood. This test will help determine where the excess androgens are
coming from. If the doctor suspects that they are caused by a cancerous adenoma, he or she will
perform an imaging test, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan. This will allow the doctor to view
structures within the body in detail. Your doctor can determine if abnormal growths are present using
the imaging scans.
6. Treatments of Virilization
Removal of an adrenal gland that contains an adenoma is the most common treatment for
virilization. This is normally done surgically. However, the doctor may choose chemotherapy or
radiation treatments if the tumour is in a dangerous area or is difficult to reach. These therapies
help shrink the growth before it’s removed.
If a tumour is not the cause, the doctor may prescribe oral contraceptives to help balance your
hormone levels. He or she may prescribe an oral contraceptive that blocks your testosterone
production completely.
7. Treatments of Virilization
Removal of an adrenal gland that contains an adenoma is the most common treatment for
virilization. This is normally done surgically. However, the doctor may choose chemotherapy or
radiation treatments if the tumour is in a dangerous area or is difficult to reach. These therapies
help shrink the growth before it’s removed.
If a tumour is not the cause, the doctor may prescribe oral contraceptives to help balance your
hormone levels. He or she may prescribe an oral contraceptive that blocks your testosterone
production completely.
