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Virilization: A common female health condition

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.

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Virilization: A common female health condition

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  1. Virilization SYMPTOMS | CAUSES | TREATMENT | DIAGNOSIS

  2. What is virilization ? Virilizationis 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 oestrogenand 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 acneon 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 productioncompletely.

  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.

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