virilization (redirected from virilisation)

virilization /vir·il·iza·tion/ (vir″ĭ-lĭ-za´shun) masculinization; usually used for that occurring in a female or prepubertal male.

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vir·il·i·za·tion (vîr-l-zshn)

n.

Development of male secondary sexual characteristics.

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viril·ize (--lz) v.

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virilization

[vir′əlīzā′shən]

Etymology: L, virilis + atus, process

a process in which secondary male sexual characteristics are acquired by a female, usually as the result of adrenal dysfunction or hormonal medication. Also called masculinization, virilism. See also adrenal virilism.

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virilization

induction or development of male secondary sex characters, especially the appearance of such changes in the female. Called also masculinization.

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virilization

Physical changes in a ♀ 2º to androgen excess Clinical Hirsutism, temporal balding, deepened voice, acne, enlarged clitoris and clitoral index–ratio between the sagittal and transverse diameters of the clitoris; the androgen excess may be 1. Adrenal, due to Cushing's syndrome, congenital enzyme deficiency–eg, 11– or 21–hydroxylase deficiency or neoplasia, either benign or malignant or 2. Ovarian, due to hyperplasia–eg, polycystic ovaries or tumors–eg, arrhenoblastoma, steroid cell tumors or gynandroblastoma. Cf Hermaphroditism, Intersex, Precocious puberty, Virilism.