Adrenal Virilism

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Definition

Adrenal virilism is the development or premature development of male secondary sexual characteristics caused by male sex hormones (androgens) excessively produced by the adrenal gland. This disorder can occur before birth and can lead to sexual abnormalities in newborns. It can also occur in girls and women later in life.

Description

In the normal human body, there are two adrenal glands. They are small structures that lie on top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce many hormones that regulate body functions. These hormones include androgens, or male hormones. Androgens are produced in normal girls and women. Sometimes, one or both of the adrenal glands becomes enlarged or overactive, producing more than the usual amount of androgens. The excess androgens create masculine characteristics.

— Richard H. Lampert

(medicine) The development of male characteristics in the female resulting from excessive production of adrenal hormones with androgenic activity. A rare form of pseudohermaphroditism.

Condition found in females with hyperactive adrenal glands producing male hormones at a concentration high enough to give rise to male characteristics (see masculinization). Compare testicular feminizing syndrome.