Virilization (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S.

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

What causes Virilization?

 * 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)

Diagnosis
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

Treatment options
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

Where to find medical care for Virilization?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Virilization

Source
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002339.htm