MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Virilization

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Virilization

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Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Hypothalamus hormone production

Definition Return to top

Virilization refers to the development of male sex characteristics in a female. This may include an increase in body hair, facial hair, a deepening of the voice, male-pattern baldness, and clitoral enlargement. Virilization may result from excessive testosterone production in the endocrine glands or from the use of anabolic steroids.

Update Date: 10/6/2003

Updated by: Tarun Jain, M.D., Endocrinology & Infertility Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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