KLINEFELTER SYNDROME
Klinefelter syndrome, otherwise known as Klinefelter’s, KS or XXY is where males are born with an extra X chromosome. The exact cause is not known but Klinefelter Syndrome is not inherited / hereditary.
Some of the main signs and symptoms include small and firm testes, reduced testosterone production, subfertility, and issues with intellectual and physical development. These symptoms are not present in all patients and can vary in severity. KS is diagnosed via blood tests that analyse chromosomes and test hormone function. Sadly, there is no cure for KS but there are many treatments available for the problems associated with the condition. The Klinefelter Syndrome Multi-Specialty clinics are one of the first in the country to address the needs of patients diagnosed with Klinefelter (XXY) Syndrome.
DIAGNOSIS OF Klinefelter Syndrome
With a combination of small firm testes and low sperm count (or absence of sperm in semen) can help us diagnose KS. The main investigations are blood tests that will analyse chromosomes and look at hormone function. Investigations should be carried out to check for other causes of small firm testes and low sperm count. Unfortunately, there is no screening program for KS, although it may be picked up prenatally (before birth) as part of screening for other chromosome abnormalities.
SYMPTOMS OF Klinefelter Syndrome
Symptoms can be very mild and so it is estimated only 1 in 4 (25%) of children or adults with KS are ever diagnosed. Klinefelter Syndrome has a varying presentation and many boys and men do not realise they have it. Patients with KS can have an increased risk of developing other health problems including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoporosis (fragile bones)
- Blood clots
- Autoimmune (when your immune system mistakenly “attacks” your body) disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Life expectancy is usually normal, and many patients live normal lives. In addition to the problems mentioned above, low testosterone can give a series of symptoms: low energy levels, increased daytime sleepiness, low libido (sex drive), and difficulty concentrating, which can be treated with testosterone supplementation.
TREATMENT FOR Klinefelter Syndrome
Thankfully, there is a range of treatments available for KS including Testosterone Replacement Therapy, Fertility treatments, Endocrine (hormone) Management, and many more.
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