Virilization in Women: Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Medical Advice

Possible symptoms of virilization include:

• Male Pattern Baldness
• Excessive Facial Hair
• Deepening Of Voice
• Small Breast
• Irregular Menstrual Cycle
• Increased Sex Drive
• Acne On Different Parts Of The Body

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Medical conditions that cause an imbalance in your sex hormone levels can result in virilization. For example, adrenal cortical carcinoma is a type of cancerous tumor that can develop on the adrenal glands and cause similar symptoms in women as in men. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and Cushing's syndrome are other conditions that can affect the adrenal glands and result in male-like symptoms appearing in women. Other possible causes include the use of male hormone supplements or the use of anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass.

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If a woman is experiencing male-like symptoms, then contact a doctor. Tell them about any symptoms or physical changes you have experienced. Tell them about all the medications you are currently taking, including birth control. If any woman in your family has already had these symptoms, then definitely tell your doctor. If you show signs of virility, the doctor will take a blood sample. This blood sample will be tested for testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones. Increased levels of androgens, such as testosterone, cause virilization.

If the doctor sees a tumor on your adrenal gland, he or she will proceed to perform imaging tests such as a CT scan. This will allow them to get a better look at the structures inside your body, which may help them know if any abnormal growths are present.

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Your recommended treatment plan for virilization will depend on the cause of the condition. If you have a tumor on your adrenal gland, your doctor may advise you to have it removed surgically. If the tumor is located in an area that is dangerous or difficult to reach, they may recommend chemotherapy or radiation treatment. These treatments can help shrink the tumor before it is removed.

If a tumor is not responsible, the doctor may prescribe birth control pills. These can help regulate your hormone levels. Doctors may also prescribe medications that block your body's androgen receptors. These drugs are also known as anti-androgens.

• Glucocorticoids – This is a type of steroid that is helpful in reducing male hormone production in your adrenal glands. Doctors use this treatment when a genetic condition is responsible.
• Removal of the adrenal gland (adrenalectomy) – When adrenal tumors cause virilization, treatment usually involves surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland. Most adrenal tumors are benign (noncancerous).
• Oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) – Surgery is the standard treatment for ovarian tumors that cause virilization symptoms. Depending on your age, your doctor may recommend unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. During this procedure, they remove one ovary and one fallopian tube to preserve the possibility of pregnancy.

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Transmasculine people - Some transmasculine people take male hormones under doctor's supervision only for virilization. They do this so that their external appearance matches their gender. This treatment has produced positive effects on people. Transgender men inject hormones either into the muscle or under the skin. Some people use a gel that absorbs into the skin throughout the day.

Some people take male hormones for the purpose of increasing fitness, they also get increased virility along with it. But it may also have the following risks:

• Cancer
• Blood Clots
• Stroke
• Heart Disease
• Liver Damage
• Liver Cancer
• Kidney Failure

These risks increase if users do not take steroids under a doctor's supervision. Some people inject anabolic steroids with needles, using them can put you at higher risk of getting HIV and hepatitis but later there may be difficulty in quitting anabolic steroids which can lead to the following symptoms -

• Craving For Steroids
• Sleep Problems
• Low Sex Drive
• Feeling Anxious
• Loss Of Appetite
• Depression
• Suicide Move

Virilization is an absolutely necessary process for some individuals, but it can be harmful for others, whether it is accidental or intentional. Be sure to seek a doctor's care when dealing with any aspect of virilization.

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Virilization can cause women to develop masculine characteristics, such as male pattern baldness and excessive facial and body hair. Virilization is usually caused by an imbalance in sex hormones. This may result from the use of male hormone supplements or anabolic steroids. It may also be due to an underlying medical condition such as adrenal cancer. Your treatment options will depend on the cause of virilization. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your condition and a recommended treatment plan.