Virilization

Part of a series on
Sex
Biological terms
Sexual dimorphism Sexual differentiation Feminization Virilization Sex-determination system XY XO ZW ZO Temperature-dependent Haplodiploidy Heterogametic sex Homogametic sex Sex chromosome X chromosome Y chromosome Testis-determining factor Hermaphrodite Sequential hermaphroditism Simultaneous hermaphroditism Intersex (biology) Mating type
Sexual reproduction
Evolution of sexual reproduction Anisogamy Isogamy Germ cell Meiosis Gametogenesis Spermatogenesis Oogenesis Gamete spermatozoon ovum Fertilization External fertilization Internal fertilization Sexual selection Plant reproduction Fungal reproduction Sexual reproduction in animals Sexual intercourse Penile-vaginal intercourse Copulation Human reproduction Lordosis behavior Pelvic thrust
Sexuality
Plant sexuality Animal sexuality Human sexuality Mechanics Differentiation Activity
Sexual system
Dioecy Gonochorism Hermaphrodite
v t e

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Virilization" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (July 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Virilization or masculinization is the biological development of adult male characteristics in young males or females.^[1] Most of the changes of virilization are produced by androgens.

Virilization is a medical term commonly used in three medical and biology of sex contexts: prenatal biological sexual differentiation, the postnatal changes of typical chromosomal male (46, XY) puberty, and excessive androgen effects in typical chromosomal females (46, XX). It is also the intended result of androgen replacement therapy in males with delayed puberty and low testosterone.