Virilization is a condition in which women develop male-pattern hair growth and other masculine physical traits. Women with virilization often have an imbalance in their sex hormones, including male sex hormones such as testosterone. Male sex hormones are also known as androgens. Overproduction of androgens can cause virilization. Both males and females produce androgens. In males, androgens are produced primarily by the adrenal glands and the testicles. In females, androgens are produced primarily by the adrenal glands and to a lesser extent by the ovaries. The use of anabolic steroids can also cause virilization. Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that act like the male hormone testosterone.