Are you experiencing increased levels of male hormones in your body? Let's talk about virilization in women!

Do you sometimes feel that your body is changing in ways that are not suitable for a woman? Maybe your voice is getting a little hoarse, or you are growing unwanted hair on your face and body. These things make you feel very heavy, don't they? In fact, in medicine, we call this condition ``(Virilization)``. Although the name may sound a bit scary when you hear it, today we will talk exactly and simply about what this is, why it happens, how to detect it, and whether there is treatment. Then you can get a clear understanding of this.

What is `(Virilization)`? Simply put...

Simply put, virilization (pronounced "vee-ra-li-se-tion") is the development of male characteristics in a female or in a newborn baby who is exposed to male hormones at birth. This can happen if your adrenal glands produce too many male hormones, called androgens, or if you use anabolic steroids to increase your strength.

Is there a difference in the way virilization affects women and men?

Yes, a woman can develop this condition (virilization) at any age. If it affects an older woman, here are some things that can happen:

• Smaller breasts.
• Uterine contractions.
• Enlargement of the clitoris.
• Irregular or complete cessation of monthly periods .

For men, the condition called `(Virilization)` is not so obvious. If the symptoms are not visible at birth, these symptoms sometimes appear during `(Puberty)` . Often, boys who produce more male hormones `(Androgen)` go through puberty earlier than other children. In adult men, this excess `(Androgen)` hormones can reduce the function of the testicles, reduce the ability to have children, and even `(Infertility)` can occur.

What are the symptoms of `(Virilization)`?

These symptoms are not the same for everyone and can vary from person to person. Let's look at the main symptoms that can be seen:

• Unwanted hair growth on the face or body: This is the first symptom that many people notice. Imagine, a young girl like Nimali suddenly starts to grow thicker, darker hair than usual on her face, chin, upper lip, chest, stomach, and back. Some people may grow thick, beard-like hair.
• Increased acne or oily skin: A sudden increase in acne, if the skin is always oily, can also be a symptom of this.
• Irregular menstrual periods: Sometimes menstruation may be absent for months, or it may stop completely.
• Hair loss (male pattern): Just like in men , hair begins to thin out on both sides of the forehead, leading to baldness .
• Breast size reduction: The breasts become smaller than they were before.
• Enlargement of the clitoris: This is also a significant change.
• Deepening of the voice: The voice suddenly becomes hoarse, changing to a male voice .
• Increased sexual desire: You may also experience more sexual desire than usual.

Why does this `(Virilization)` occur? What are the causes?

Now you may be wondering, "Why on earth is this happening?" The main reason is the overproduction of male hormones, called androgens, in the body. There are several health conditions that can contribute to this:

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: This is a genetic condition. It is caused by a defect in the production of hormones by the adrenal glands, which are two small glands located above our kidneys. This results in the production of excess androgen hormones.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This is a condition that is now being seen in many girls and women. This condition, which occurs in the ovaries, can also cause excess production of male hormones.
• Cushing's syndrome: A condition caused by excessive levels of the hormone cortisol in the body over a long period of time. This can also increase androgen levels.
• Adrenal gland tumors (e.g., `Adrenal adenoma`): The formation of tumors in the `(Adrenal glands)` that I mentioned earlier. These tumors, like `(Adrenal adenoma), are often non-cancerous (benign), but sometimes they can be cancerous (malignant). These tumors can produce `(Androgen).`
• Ovarian tumors: Some types of tumors that form in the ovaries can also produce excess androgen hormones.

In addition to these medical reasons, this condition (virilization) can also be caused by the use of anabolic steroids to increase physical performance and build muscle mass . This is especially seen among people who play sports such as weightlifting.

How does a doctor diagnose this as ``Virilization''?

If you have these symptoms, the first thing you should do is see a doctor. The doctor will examine you thoroughly. They will ask about your symptoms, whether anyone in your family has had these conditions, and what medications you are taking.

Then, to confirm whether this is indeed ``Virilization'', and if so, what is causing it, some tests are performed:

• Blood test: This mainly checks the levels of various hormones in your body, especially the level of the hormone androgen.
• Other imaging tests:
• Ultrasound scan: This can check for any cysts or growths in the ovaries and adrenal glands.
• A `CT (Computed Tomography) scan` or `MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)` scan: These can examine internal organs more clearly, especially areas such as the adrenal glands and the pituitary gland in the brain.

Is there a treatment for `(Virilization)`?

Yes, there is definitely treatment. However, the treatment method depends on the cause of `(Virilization)`. Your doctor will choose the treatment that is most suitable for you. Here are some of the main treatment methods:

• Glucocorticoids: This is also a type of steroid. If virilization is caused by a genetic condition such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, doctors will prescribe these medications to control the production of male hormones by the adrenal glands.
• Adrenalectomy: If this condition is caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland, the surgery usually involves removing the adrenal gland . Most of the time, these tumors are not cancerous. However, they can rarely be cancerous, so it is important to find out exactly what is causing the condition.
• Oophorectomy: If these symptoms are caused by ovarian tumors, surgery is the standard treatment. Depending on your age and whether you plan to have children in the future, your doctor may recommend a procedure called a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of one ovary and its fallopian tube). This may also preserve your ability to have children through the other ovary.

Important: Regardless of the treatment method, it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly and return for check-ups on time.

Can these ``virilization'' symptoms be reversed?

In most cases, if the cause is identified and treated appropriately, the symptoms of virilization can be reversed. For example, hair growth may decrease, skin oiliness may decrease, and menstrual periods may return to normal. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

But there is one thing that I want to mention in particular. If women who use anabolic steroids experience the symptoms of ``virilization'' that I mentioned earlier, sometimes the profound change in the voice can be permanent. That is, even after stopping the medication, the voice may not sound the same as before. However, some people have been able to regain their voice pitch to some extent by receiving treatment and training at a specialized voice training center (`Voice center`).

Can Virilization be prevented?

If you have a genetic condition like `(Congenital adrenal hyperplasia)`, it cannot be completely prevented. Because it is something that comes with us. However, with proper medical treatment and advice, you can successfully control this condition and live a normal life.

On the other hand, if you avoid using things like `Anabolic steroids`, you can avoid the risk of `(Virilization)` that can occur through them. If you are taking `(Steroids)` for any medical reason, be sure to take them only in the dosage and for the prescribed period of time as prescribed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly to reduce the risk of unwanted symptoms.

When should I see a doctor?

Remember this: No one knows your body better than you do, right? So, if you notice anything unusual about your body, a new change that wasn't there before, or something that's causing you discomfort, tell a doctor without delay.

In particular, if you experience one or more of the symptoms of ``virilization'' that we discussed in this article, such as sudden hair growth, a change in voice, irregular periods, or any other unusual symptoms, you should definitely talk to a doctor about it. He or she can then determine the cause and advise you on whether or not you need treatment, and if so, what to do.

What is the difference between `(Hirsutism)` and `(Virilization)`?

You may have heard the term ``Hirsutism'' (hir-su-ti-sam). ``Hirsutism'' refers to the excessive growth of hair on a woman's body, especially in areas where men usually have hair (such as the face, chest, stomach, back, and inner thighs).

What's the difference then?

People with `(Hirsutism)` usually have fewer symptoms than those with `(Virilization)`, and they are not as severe. In `(Hirsutism)`, the main thing that is seen is hair growth.

However, in ``Virilization'', in addition to hair growth, other clearly male characteristics such as deepening of the voice, enlargement of the clitoris, reduction of breasts, and muscle growth can be seen.

Like Virilization, Hirsutism can be caused by excess production of androgen hormones from your adrenal glands or ovaries. However, Hirsutism can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Cushing syndrome. Simply put, Virilization is a condition that is more severe and has a wider range of male characteristics than Hirsutism.

What is `(Undervirilized male)`?

This is the other side of ``Virilization.`` An ``Undervirilized male`` is a condition in which a genetically determined male has lower than normal levels of androgens in his body or his body does not respond properly to these hormones, resulting in some degree of female characteristics. For example, delayed puberty, reduced muscle growth, reduced body hair, and breast development may occur.

Finally, something to keep in mind (Take-Home Message)

So, I think you have a good understanding of `(Virilization)` now. The most important thing is that if you feel uncomfortable with your body, if you feel that it does not match your femininity, it can also have a big impact on your mental health. Please don't worry and think, "Why is this happening to me?", "Am I the only one like this?"

Also, there may be an underlying health condition behind these symptoms that needs to be treated. If it is not properly diagnosed and treated, it can lead to further problems.

So, if you have even the slightest suspicion that you have symptoms of `(Virilization)`, please don't be afraid or embarrassed to see a doctor, talk about it, get a diagnosis if necessary, and get the appropriate treatment. That's the best thing you can do for yourself. You are not alone, there are doctors who can help with these things.

` Virilization, male and female characteristics, hormonal imbalance, androgens, hair growth, acne, PCOS, adrenal glands, steroids