What signs may indicate an adrenal source of androgen excess in a female patient?

• A. Hirsutism, virilization, clitoromegaly
• B. Breast enlargement
• C. Amenorrhea due to non-adrenal cause
• D. Weight gain only

Answer: (A)

Virilization signs in a female point to an adrenal source of excess androgens. When adrenal glands produce too much androgens (like DHEA, androstenedione, and testosterone), the most telling presentations are hirsutism, clear virilization features, and clitoromegaly. These changes reflect unusually high androgen levels acting on hair growth patterns and genital tissues. Breast enlargement is not expected with androgen excess, and while amenorrhea can occur with androgen excess, it does not specifically indicate an adrenal origin. Weight gain is nonspecific and not diagnostic of adrenal-driven androgen excess.