What is female Virilization?

What is female Virilization?

Virilization is a condition in which a female develops characteristics associated with male hormones (androgens), or when a newborn has characteristics of male hormone exposure at birth.

What causes virilization in females?

Virilization is caused by excess production of androgens usually because of a tumor in or enlargement of an adrenal gland or a tumor in an ovary or abnormal hormone production by the ovaries.

How do you evaluate hirsutism?

Laboratory testing should be based on the patient’s history and physical findings, but screening for levels of serum testosterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone is sufficient in most cases. Women with irregular menses and hirsutism should be screened for thyroid dysfunction and prolactin disorders.

What is the difference between hirsutism and virilization?

Hirsutism is the medical term that refers to the presence of excessive terminal (coarse) hair in androgen-sensitive areas of the female body (upper lip, chin, chest, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs). Virilization is more extensive than hirsutism with additional evidence of masculinization.

What causes female body hair?

Women develop excessive body or facial hair due to higher-than-normal levels of androgens, including testosterone. All females produce androgens, but the levels typically remain low. Certain medical conditions can cause a woman to produce too many androgens.

How do you check androgen levels?

A free androgen index (FAI) is a ratio figured out after a blood test for testosterone. It’s used to see if you have abnormal androgen levels. Both men and women make male hormones called androgens, which include testosterone. During puberty, testosterone helps children develop into adults.

Can you have hirsutism without PCOS?

But some women with hirsutism don’t have PCOS or any other cause that can be identified. Their hormone levels are normal, and so are their menstrual cycles. These women had a gradual increase in coarse hair growth. It may be that they inherited hair follicles that are more sensitive to androgens.

What is hypertrichosis and hirsutism?

Hypertrichosis is defined as excessive hair growth anywhere on the body in either males or females. It is important to distinguish hypertrichosis from hirsutism, which is a term reserved for females who grow an excessive amount of terminal hairs in androgen-dependent sites.

How is Virilism diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects that you’re showing signs of virilization, they’ll take a sample of your blood. This blood sample will be tested for testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones. An increased level of androgens, such as testosterone, often accompanies virilization.

Can PCOS cause virilization?

PCOS causes extra androgen production, resulting in virilization. This refers to the development of more masculine features, including excess hair in places where it doesn’t usually grow, such as the: face.