Virilization in females is a condition in which women develop male-pattern hair growth and other masculine physical traits. Women with virilization often have an imbalance in sex hormones, such as estrogen and male sex hormones, or androgens, like testosterone.

1. SYMPTOMS | CAUSES | TREATMENT | DIAGNOSIS

2. What is 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)

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. Treatment 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.

6. Diagnosis of virilization
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.
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.