What is the Origin of Virilization?

The term is derived from the Latin word virilis, meaning "manly" or "masculine," directly describing the process of acquiring male characteristics. It is a long-standing clinical term in endocrinology used to describe the effect of androgen excess. The concept is central to the diagnosis of several endocrine disorders.

What is the Mechanism of Virilization?

The underlying mechanism involves the excessive stimulation of androgen receptors in target tissues by high circulating levels of potent androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Common causes include adrenal or ovarian tumors, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, all of which disrupt the delicate negative feedback loops of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The degree of virilization is directly correlated with the concentration and duration of androgen exposure.

Virilization ∞ Area

Virilization

Meaning

Virilization is the pathological development or exaggeration of male secondary sexual characteristics, typically occurring in females or prepubertal males, due to excessive androgen production or exposure. Clinical manifestations can include hirsutism, temporal balding, deepening of the voice, clitoromegaly, and increased muscle mass. This condition represents a significant disruption of the normal endocrine balance and requires thorough clinical investigation.