Rare disorder in which secondary male sex characteristics develop in a female, caused by adrenal androgen secretion, cortisol excess, or a number of medications. Associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, adrenal carcinoma, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Characterized by amenorrhea, voice deepening, hirsutism, infertility, and clitoromegaly. In pregnancy, a woman with gestational hyperandrogenism may develop hirsutism and virilism; her female fetus may develop irreversible virilization.
Treatments may include antiandrogens and cosmetic procedures.