Development of male secondary SEX CHARACTERISTICS in the FEMALE. It is due to the effects of androgenic metabolites of precursors from endogenous or exogenous sources, such as ADRENAL GLANDS or therapeutic drugs.
A hypnotic and sedative. Its use has been largely superseded by other drugs.
Excessive hair growth at inappropriate locations, such as on the extremities, the head, and the back. It is caused by genetic or acquired factors, and is an androgen-independent process. This concept does not include HIRSUTISM which is an androgen-dependent excess hair growth in WOMEN and CHILDREN.
A group of inherited disorders of the ADRENAL GLANDS, caused by enzyme defects in the synthesis of cortisol (HYDROCORTISONE) and/or ALDOSTERONE leading to accumulation of precursors for ANDROGENS. Depending on the hormone imbalance, congenital adrenal hyperplasia can be classified as salt-wasting, hypertensive, virilizing, or feminizing. Defects in STEROID 21-HYDROXYLASE; STEROID 11-BETA-HYDROXYLASE; STEROID 17-ALPHA-HYDROXYLASE; 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASES); TESTOSTERONE 5-ALPHA-REDUCTASE; or steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; among others, underlie these disorders.
An adrenal microsomal cytochrome P450 enzyme that catalyzes the 21-hydroxylation of steroids in the presence of molecular oxygen and NADPH-FERRIHEMOPROTEIN REDUCTASE. This enzyme, encoded by CYP21 gene, converts progesterones to precursors of adrenal steroid hormones (CORTICOSTERONE; HYDROCORTISONE). Defects in CYP21 cause congenital adrenal hyperplasia (ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA, CONGENITAL).
A metabolite of PROGESTERONE with a hydroxyl group at the 17-alpha position. It serves as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of HYDROCORTISONE and GONADAL STEROID HORMONES.
A metabolite of 17-ALPHA-HYDROXYPROGESTERONE, normally produced in small quantities by the GONADS and the ADRENAL GLANDS, found in URINE. An elevated urinary pregnanetriol is associated with CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA with a deficiency of STEROID 21-HYDROXYLASE.
Neoplasm derived from displaced cells (rest cells) of the primordial ADRENAL GLANDS, generally in patients with CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA. Adrenal rest tumors have been identified in TESTES; LIVER; and other tissues. They are dependent on ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN for growth and adrenal steroid secretion.
A synthetic mineralocorticoid with anti-inflammatory activity.
A 21-carbon steroid that is converted from PREGNENOLONE by STEROID 17-ALPHA-HYDROXYLASE. It is an intermediate in the delta-5 pathway of biosynthesis of GONADAL STEROID HORMONES and the adrenal CORTICOSTEROIDS.

Androgen secreting adrenocortical tumours. (1/94)

BACKGROUND: Androgen secreting adrenocortical tumours are rare in children and the determination of their malignant potential can be difficult. OBJECTIVES: To assess the presentation, histology, and clinical behaviour of these tumours. SETTING: Two tertiary referral centres. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of children diagnosed with an androgen secreting adrenocortical tumour between 1976 and 1996. PATIENTS: Twenty three girls and seven boys aged 0-14 years. RESULTS: Pubic hair was observed in all children, clitoromegaly or growth of the phallus in 23 children, acceleration of linear growth in 22 children, and advanced bone age (> 1.5 years) in 18 children. Hypersecretion of androgens was detected by assessment of serum androgen concentrations alone in four patients and by 24 hour urine steroid excretion profiles in 22 patients. All 16 tumours measuring < 5 cm in diameter were benign. Of the tumours measuring 5-9 cm, three were malignant and seven were benign, whereas all four tumours > 10 cm were malignant. Histological slides were available for reassessment in 25 children. Although mitoses and necrosis were more characteristic of tumours with malignant behaviour, no exclusive histological features of malignancy were seen. CONCLUSION: Histological criteria for malignancy are not reliable, whereas tumour size is important in assessing malignant potential.  (+info)

Virilizing tumors of the ovary: imaging features. (2/94)

AIM: Virilizing tumors of the ovary are an uncommon cause of a common clinical problem. The reported imaging features of these tumors are based on case reports. The purpose of this study was to determine the spectrum of imaging characteristics of these tumors based on a larger referral population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Case records from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology were searched for clinical evidence of virilization as a presentation of an excised sex cord-stromal and steroid cell ovarian tumor. Records and imaging studies on 14 patients with virilizing tumors were found. All available imaging studies (ultrasound studies of the pelvis (11 patients), CT scans of the pelvis (five patients), MRI examinations of the pelvis (two patients), and plain films of the pelvis (four patients) were reviewed by three radiologists independently for ascites, calcification, percent solid portion, echogenicity and attenuation. RESULTS: On CT and/or ultrasound most (69%) of the tumors appeared to be solid or mostly solid. The amount of solid tissue varied with the tumor type, granulosa cell tumors were predominantly cystic. The masses were isoechoic (82%) or hypoechoic (18%). Ascites was an infrequent (23%) finding. Only a minority of these tumors (14%) were calcified on imaging studies. Six tumors were 5.0 cm or less in mean size, and two less than 3.0 cm in size. All cases were stage I tumors at presentation. CONCLUSION: The majority of virilizing tumors of the ovary are typically solid, noncalcified, confined to the ovary at presentation, and not associated with ascites. Variability in appearance depends in part on tumor type. Many are small and may be difficult to recognize as a mass morphologically.  (+info)

Comparison of auditory evoked potentials in heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual males and females. (3/94)

The auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) elicited by click stimuli were measured in heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual males and females having normal hearing sensitivity. Estimates of latency and/or amplitude were extracted for nine peaks having latencies of about 2-240 ms, which are presumed to correspond to populations of neurons located from the auditory nerve through auditory cortex. For five of the 19 measures obtained, the mean latency or amplitude for the 57 homosexual and bisexual females was different from that of the 49 heterosexual females in a manner that implies a masculinization of the auditory systems of the homosexual and bisexual females. A similar masculinization effect was previously observed for the otoacoustic emissions generated by the cochlea. For five other measures, the mean latency or amplitude for the 53 homosexual and bisexual males was different from that of the 50 heterosexual males in a manner that implies a hypermasculinization of the auditory systems of the homosexual and bisexual males. Hypermasculinization has been reported recently for other physical characteristics of homosexual males. One parsimonious interpretation of these findings is that homosexual males and females both were exposed to higher than normal levels of androgens at some point(s) in development. Data are reported only for the female subjects not using oral contraceptives because those drugs can masculinize certain AEP measures.  (+info)

An unusual steroid-producing ovarian tumour: case report. (4/94)

The rapid onset of virilization in a post-menopausal woman is usually the result of androgen secretion from a tumour of adrenal or ovarian origin. Androgen secreting neoplasms of the ovary are rare and usually show autonomous secretion. Rarely, these may be driven by the high levels of gonadotrophins seen in the post-menopausal state. We describe the case of a 67-year-old woman with high serum testosterone and estradiol in association with the high gonadotrophin levels usually associated with the post-menopausal state. All hormonal parameters showed a significant suppression over 12 h with administration of the GnRH antagonist, cetrorelix. This observation implies that excess hormone synthesis was of ovarian origin and was gonadotrophin driven. Localization of the tumour was not possible by conventional ultrasound or computerized tomography scanning, but was achieved by venous sampling. Complete cure was achieved by total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with restoration of the endocrine profile to that expected for a post-menopausal woman. Rapidly acting GnRH antagonists, such as cetrorelix, offer a safe and useful diagnostic and therapeutic option in the management of ovarian steroid-secreting tumours, which show gonadotrophin dependency.  (+info)

Quantitative evaluation of virilizing activity of steroids by measuring morphological changes in uro-genital region of rats. (5/94)

A new technique to measure the uro-genital parameters such as the lengths of urovaginal septum, corpora cavernosa and anogenital distance on the sagittal sections of the pelvic region of female fetus of rat under microscope equipped with a micrometer was developed. In the examination of 180 normal female fetuses on the 21st day of gestation, relationships were observed between the fetal body weight and the length of urovaginal septum as well as anogenital distance, but not on the length of corpora cavernosa. Following maternal subcutaneous administration of various doses of 17alpha-methyltestosterone between the 17th and 20th day of gestation, dose-dependent abridgment in urovaginal septum length and extensions in corpora cavernosa length and anogenital distance were observed in female fetus on the 21st day's examination. When these three parametars were calculated on the relative value to the fetal body weight, however, linear relationships against log-dose were observed in all parameters. Among these three parameters the abridgment in urovaginal septum was shown to be the most sensitive. A quantitative assay of virilizing activity of steroids in female fetuses was examined on rats treated subcutaneously with 17alpha-methyltestosterone and norethandrolone. Linear regressions against the log-doses of both steroids were demonstrated in urovaginal septum length, and parallelism was noted between both regression lines. The relative potency of norethandrolone to 17alpha-methyltestosterone calculated on urovaginal septum length was 0.354 with fiducial limits of 0.293-0.44l, and it was suggested that the virilizing activities of steroids can be evaluated quantitatively.  (+info)

In-utero androgen exposure and 2nd to 4th digit length ratio-comparisons between healthy controls and females with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia. (6/94)

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue measurements from the hand reveal lower second to fourth finger digit ratios (2D:4D) in males compared with females. The relatively longer 4th finger observed in males may be related to increased fetal exposure to androgens influencing the expression of Hox genes. METHODS: We have measured 2D:4D ratios in 69 healthy females [median age 9.3 (range 1.9-17) years], 77 control males [median age 13.86 (2.1-20.3) years] and in 66 females with classical virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) (median age 8.5 (1.1-16.2) years] who are known to be exposed to high concentrations of androgens in utero. Measurements were determined from X-rays of the left hand using vernier callipers. Intra-observer variability in measurement technique was 0.01%. RESULTS: Control males had a significantly lower mean (SD) 2D:4D ratio [0.918 (0.029)] compared with female patients [0.927 (0.029), ANOVA P = 0.02]. No difference in 2D:4D ratio was observed between CAH females [0.925 (0.021)] and control females [0.927 (0.029)]. In contrast, 2D:4D ratio in males were significantly lower compared with CAH females (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: 2D:4D ratios determined directly from radiographs of the left hand confirm significant differences between males and females. However, female patients with virilizing CAH do not have a male digit ratio pattern suggesting that in the left hand digit ratio development is not influenced by in-utero exposure to androgens.  (+info)

Virilizing adrenocortical adenoma with Cushing's syndrome, thyroid papillary carcinoma and hypergastrinemia in a middle-aged woman. (7/94)

We report a rare case of virilizing adrenocortical adenoma complicated with Cushing's syndrome, thyroid papillary carcinoma and hypergastrinemia. A 45-year-old woman had a history of amenorrhea for 10 years, hypertension for 8 years, and diabetes mellitus for 3 years. Physical examination showed a masculinized woman with severe hirsutism, male-like baldness, deep voice, acne in the precordia, and clitorism. Plasma testosterone, DHEA-S and urinary 17-KS were high, and plasma cortisol level was it at the upper limit of the normal range, but it did not show a diurnal rhythm nor was suppressed by 2 and 8 mg of dexamethasone. Abdominal CT scan showed a left adrenal tumor (4.5 cm in size). Adrenal scintigram revealed uptake of the tracer on the left side, and plasma cortisol concentration was high in a blood sample from the left adrenal vein. Left adrenalectomy was performed. Histopathological features of resected adrenal tumor were consistent with those of adrenocortical adenoma, consisting of tumor cells with eosinophilic compact cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical staining for steroidogenic enzymes showed reactivity for P450sec, 3 beta-HSD, P450c17, P450c21 and P450c11. Plasma testosterone and cortisol levels decreased to the normal range postoperatively. The patient was also found to have a papillary thyroid carcinoma and hypergastrinemia. Our patient is a rare case of virilizing adrenocortical adenoma associated with Cushing's syndrome, thyroid papillary carcinoma, and hypergastrinemia.  (+info)

KORSAKOFF'S SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH ADRENAL VIRILISM. (8/94)

Korsakoff's syndrome of obscure etiology was observed in a 34-year-old single woman with an 11-year history of hirsutism and mood swings, and previous hospitalizations for mania three years ago and depression 11 years ago.Recently the virilism had intensified with increased muscularity and coarsening of facial features. The 24-hour urinary 17-ketosteroids ranged between 14.4 mg. and 21.5 mg. and were suppressed by dexamethasone. The 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion was normal. These and other findings suggested a diagnosis of adrenal virilism due to adrenocortical hyperplasia. In the absence of other discernible causes it appeared that the adrenal pathology was responsible for the Korsakoff's syndrome. Both conditions responded well to glucocorticoid therapy although low doses were necessary to avoid mania.It is speculated that the encephalopathy was due to an associated adrenal insufficiency. Although hypoadrenalism is accepted as a complication of only the infant form of adrenal virilism, it is noteworthy that this patient had pathological pigmentation of her skin.  (+info)

Virilism is a condition that results from excessive exposure to androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone. It can occur in both males and females, but it is more noticeable in women and children. In females, virilism can cause various masculinizing features like excess body hair, deepened voice, enlarged clitoris, and irregular menstrual cycles. In children, it can lead to premature puberty and growth abnormalities. Virilism is often caused by conditions that involve the adrenal glands or ovaries, including tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and certain medications.

Glutethimide is a sedative-hypnotic drug that was previously used for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety disorders. It belongs to the class of drugs known as non-barbiturate hypnotics. Glutethimide works by depressing the central nervous system (CNS), producing a calming effect on the brain.

Due to its potential for abuse, addiction, and its narrow therapeutic index, glutethimide is no longer commonly used in clinical practice. It has been replaced by safer and more effective sleep aids with fewer side effects and lower potential for misuse.

It's important to note that the use of glutethimide should be under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional, and it should only be taken as prescribed. Misuse or overuse of this medication can lead to serious health consequences, including respiratory depression, coma, and even death.

Hypertrichosis is a medical term that refers to an abnormal growth or overabundance of hair in areas where hair is not typically found or excessively thick. It can affect both men and women, and it can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired). The cause of congenital hypertrichosis is usually genetic, while acquired hypertrichosis can be caused by various factors such as medications, hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, or cancer.

Hypertrichosis should not be confused with hirsutism, which is a condition that causes excessive hair growth in women in areas where hair is typically found in men, such as the face, chest, and back. Hirsutism is usually caused by hormonal imbalances, while hypertrichosis can occur anywhere on the body.

Hypertrichosis can be localized, affecting only specific areas of the body, or generalized, affecting large portions of the body. Treatment for hypertrichosis depends on the underlying cause and may include medications to slow hair growth, laser therapy, or hair removal methods such as waxing, shaving, or plucking.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of inherited genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands, which are triangular-shaped glands located on top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing several essential hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens.

CAH is caused by mutations in genes that code for enzymes involved in the synthesis of these hormones. The most common form of CAH is 21-hydroxylase deficiency, which affects approximately 90% to 95% of all cases. Other less common forms of CAH include 11-beta-hydroxylase deficiency and 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency.

The severity of the disorder can vary widely, depending on the degree of enzyme deficiency. In severe cases, the lack of cortisol production can lead to life-threatening salt wasting and electrolyte imbalances in newborns. The excess androgens produced due to the enzyme deficiency can also cause virilization, or masculinization, of female fetuses, leading to ambiguous genitalia at birth.

In milder forms of CAH, symptoms may not appear until later in childhood or even adulthood. These may include early puberty, rapid growth followed by premature fusion of the growth plates and short stature, acne, excessive hair growth, irregular menstrual periods, and infertility.

Treatment for CAH typically involves replacing the missing hormones with medications such as hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone, and/or sex hormones. Regular monitoring of hormone levels and careful management of medication doses is essential to prevent complications such as adrenal crisis, growth suppression, and osteoporosis.

In severe cases of CAH, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or minimize the risk of serious health problems and improve quality of life. Genetic counseling may also be recommended for affected individuals and their families to discuss the risks of passing on the disorder to future generations.

Steroid 21-hydroxylase, also known as CYP21A2, is a crucial enzyme involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones in the adrenal gland. Specifically, it catalyzes the conversion of 17-hydroxyprogesterone to 11-deoxycortisol and progesterone to deoxycorticosterone in the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid pathways, respectively.

Deficiency or mutations in this enzyme can lead to a group of genetic disorders called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), which is characterized by impaired cortisol production and disrupted hormonal balance. Depending on the severity of the deficiency, CAH can result in various symptoms such as ambiguous genitalia, precocious puberty, sexual infantilism, infertility, and increased risk of adrenal crisis.

17-α-Hydroxyprogesterone is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the adrenal glands and, in smaller amounts, by the ovaries and testes. It is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.

In a medical context, 17-α-Hydroxyprogesterone may also refer to a synthetic form of this hormone that is used in the treatment of certain medical conditions. For example, a medication called 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHP) is used to reduce the risk of preterm birth in women who have previously given birth prematurely. It works by suppressing uterine contractions and promoting fetal lung maturity.

It's important to note that 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider, as it can have side effects and may interact with other medications.

Pregnanetriol is not a medication, but rather a metabolite of the hormone progesterone. It is a steroid compound that is produced in the body and can be detected in urine. Pregnanetriol is often used as a biomarker to help diagnose certain medical conditions related to steroid hormone metabolism, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). In these cases, abnormal levels of pregnanetriol in the urine can indicate an enzyme deficiency that affects the production or breakdown of steroid hormones.

An Adrenal Rest Tumor is a rare, benign (non-cancerous) growth that occurs in the adrenal glands. These tumors are made up of cells called "adrenal rests," which are small clusters of adrenal tissue that can be found outside of the adrenal glands.

Adrenal rest tumors are typically asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally during imaging studies performed for other medical reasons. However, in some cases, these tumors may produce hormones such as cortisol or aldosterone, leading to symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, such as Cushing's syndrome or Conn's syndrome.

Treatment for adrenal rest tumors typically involves surgical removal of the tumor. In cases where the tumor is producing hormones, medication may be used to manage the hormonal imbalance before and after surgery. It is important to monitor patients with adrenal rest tumors for recurrence, as these tumors can grow back over time.

Fludrocortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid hormone, specifically a mineralocorticoid. It is often used to treat conditions associated with low levels of corticosteroids, such as Addison's disease. It works by helping the body retain sodium and lose potassium, which helps to maintain fluid balance and blood pressure.

In medical terms, fludrocortisone is defined as a synthetic mineralocorticoid with glucocorticoid activity used in the treatment of adrenogenital syndrome and Addison's disease, and as an adjunct in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to treat orthostatic hypotension by helping the body retain sodium and water, thereby increasing blood volume and blood pressure.

It is important to note that fludrocortisone can have significant side effects, particularly if used in high doses or for long periods of time. These can include fluid retention, high blood pressure, increased risk of infection, and slowed growth in children. As with any medication, it should be used under the close supervision of a healthcare provider.

17-alpha-Hydroxypregnenolone is a steroid hormone that is produced in the adrenal glands and, to a lesser extent, in the gonads (ovaries and testes). It is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.

17-alpha-Hydroxypregnenolone is formed from pregnenolone through the action of the enzyme 17α-hydroxylase. It can then be converted to 17-hydroxyprogesterone, which is a precursor to both cortisol and androgens such as testosterone.

While 17-alpha-Hydroxypregnenolone itself does not have significant physiological activity, its role in the biosynthesis of other steroid hormones makes it an important intermediate in the endocrine system. Dysregulation of its production or metabolism can contribute to various medical conditions, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia and certain forms of cancer.

No FAQ available that match "virilism"

No images available that match "virilism"