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Androgenization

Meaning

Androgenization refers to the process or state resulting from the exposure to or excessive action of androgens, the male sex hormones, which leads to the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. In females, this manifestation is often referred to as hyperandrogenism and presents clinically as hirsutism, acne, temporal hair thinning, or virilization. This endocrine imbalance requires careful clinical evaluation to identify the underlying source of the excessive androgen production or action. The degree of androgenization is a critical diagnostic marker in reproductive and dermatological endocrinology.