Menstuff® has compiled the following information on
Klinefelter Syndrome.
What is Klinefelter syndrome?
What are the symptoms of the XXY
condition?
What are the treatments for the XXY
condition?
Delayed Puberty
Additional
Resources for Klinefelter Syndrome
Klinefelter syndrome is named after Dr. Henry Klinefelter, who first described a group of symptoms found in some men with the extra X chromosome. Even though all men with Klinefelter syndrome have the extra X chromosome, not every XXY male has all of those symptoms.
Because not every male with an XXY pattern has all the symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome, it is common to use the term XXY male to describe these men, or XXY condition to describe the symptoms.
Scientists believe the XXY condition is one of the most common chromosome abnormalities in humans. About one of every 500 males has an extra X chromosome, but many don’t have any symptoms.
For more information on genes and chromosomes, check out Cells 101.
What are the symptoms of the XXY condition?
Not all males with the condition have the same symptoms or to the same degree. Symptoms depend on how many XXY cells a man has, how much testosterone is in his body, and his age when the condition is diagnosed.
The XXY condition can affect three main areas of development:
Physical development: As babies, many XXY males have weak muscles and reduced strength. They may sit up, crawl, and walk later than other infants. After about age four, XXY males tend to be taller and may have less muscle control and coordination than other boys their age.
As XXY males enter puberty, they often don’t make as much testosterone as other boys. This can lead to a taller, less muscular body, less facial and body hair, and broader hips than other boys. As teens, XXY males may have larger breasts, weaker bones, and a lower energy level than other boys.
By adulthood, XXY males look similar to males without the condition, although they are often taller. They are also more likely than other men to have certain health problems, such as autoimmune disorders, breast cancer, vein diseases, osteoporosis, and tooth decay.
XXY males can have normal sex lives, but they usually make little or no sperm. Between 95 percent and 99 percent of XXY males are infertile because their bodies don’t make a lot of sperm.
Language development: As boys, between 25 percent and 85 percent of XXY males have some kind of language problem, such as learning to talk late, trouble using language to express thoughts and needs, problems reading, and trouble processing what they hear.
As adults, XXY males may have a harder time doing work that involves reading and writing, but most hold jobs and have successful careers.
Social development: As babies, XXY males tend to be quiet and undemanding. As they get older, they are usually quieter, less self-confident, less active, and more helpful and obedient than other boys.
As teens, XXY males tend to be quiet and shy. They may struggle in school and sports, meaning they may have more trouble “fitting in” with other kids.
However, as adults, XXY males live lives similar to men without the condition; they have friends, families, and normal social relationships.
What are the treatments for the XXY condition?
The XXY chromosome pattern can not be changed. But, there are a variety of ways to treat the symptoms of the XXY condition.
One of the most important factors for all types of treatment is
starting it as early in life as possible.
Source: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/klinefelterssyndrome.html
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