Virilization

Definition

Virilization is when a female develops male sex characteristics, or a newborn boy has increased male characteristics at birth.

Information

Virilization may be caused by:

Excess testosterone production
Use of anabolic steroids

In newborn girls, the condition may be caused by:

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

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

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

Review Date: 6/28/2011
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

This information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. © 1997- 2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.