Virilism

The presence in a woman of masculine characteristics. Virilism is caused by excessive levels of androgen hormones. Androgens are male sex hormones which, in women, are normally secreted in small amounts by the adrenal glands and ovaries. Raised levels induce various changes in women, including hirsutism; male-pattern baldness; disruption or cessation of menstruation; enlargement of the clitoris; loss of normal fat deposits around the hips; development of the arm and shoulder muscles; and deepening of the voice.