Klinefelter Syndrome – What it is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Klinefelter Syndrome – What it is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments  that many are unaware of. Also, Klinefelter Syndrome  is a genetic condition that results when a boy is born with an extra copy of the X chromosome . Klinefelter Syndrome is a common genetic condition that affects men, and often goes undiagnosed until adulthood. Klinefelter Syndrome can adversely affect testicular growth , resulting in smaller than normal testicles , which can lead to lower testosterone production . The syndrome can also cause reduced muscle mass, reduced body and facial hair, and increased breast tissue. The effects ofKlinefelter syndrome vary, and not everyone has the same signs and symptoms.

Most men with Klinefelter Syndrome produce little or no sperm, but assisted reproduction procedures can make it possible for some men with Klinefelter Syndrome to  have children.

Causes of Klinefelter Syndrome: Klinefelter  Syndrome occurs as a result of a random error that causes a man to be born with anextra sex chromosome. It is not an inherited condition.

Humans have 46 chromosomes, including two sex chromosomes that determine a person’s sex. Females have two X (XX) sex chromosomes. Males have an X and a Y (XY) sex chromosome.

Klinefelter Syndrome can be caused by:

• An extra copy of the X chromosome in each cell (XXY), the most common cause
• An extra X chromosome in some of the cells (Klinefelter mosaic syndrome), with fewer symptoms
• More than one extra copy of the X chromosome, which is rare and results in a severe form
• Extra copies of genes on the X chromosome can interfere with male sexual development and fertility.

Risk Factors: Klinefelter Syndrome results from a random genetic event. The risk of Klinefelter Syndrome is not increased by anything a parent does or does not do. For older mothers, the risk is higher, but only slightly. Complications: Klinefelter Syndrome can increase your risk of:

• anxiety and depression
• Infertility and problems with sexual function
• Weak bones (osteoporosis)
• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Breast cancer and certain other types of cancer
• lung disease
• Endocrine conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism
• Autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Dental problems that make tooth cavities more likely

A number of complications caused by Klinefelter Syndrome are related to low testosterone (hypogonadism). Testosterone replacement therapy reduces the risk of certain health problems, especially when therapy is started early in puberty.

Symptoms of Klinefelter Syndrome:  Signs and symptoms of Klinefelter Syndrome also vary with age.

Signs and symptoms of Klinefelter Syndrome  can include:

• weak muscles
• Slow motor development – ​​taking longer than average to sit, crawl and walk
• delay in speaking
• Quiet and docile personality
• Problems at birth, such as testicles not descending into the scrotum
• boys and teenagers

Signs and symptoms  of Klinefelter Syndrome  can include:

• Taller than average height
• Longer legs, shorter torso, and wider hips compared to other boys
• Absent, delayed or incomplete puberty
• After puberty, less muscle and less facial and body hair compared to other teenagers
• Small, firm testicles
• small penis
• Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia)
• weak bones
• low energy levels
• Tendency to be shy and sensitive
• Difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings or socializing
• Problems with reading, writing, spelling or math
• Men
• Low sperm count or no sperm
• Small testicles and penis
• low sex drive
• Height taller than average
• weak bones
• Decreased facial and body hair
• Less muscular than normal
• Enlarged breast tissue
• belly fat increase

When to see a doctor: See a doctor if you or your child has:

• Slow development during infancy or childhood. Delays in growth and development can be the first sign of a number of conditions that need treatment – ​​including Klinefelter Syndrome .
• While some variation in physical and mental development is normal, it’s best to check with a doctor if you have any concerns.
• Male infertility. Many men with Klinefelter Syndrome are not diagnosed with infertility until they realize that they are unable to raise a child.

Treatments For Klinefelter Syndrome:  If you or your child is diagnosed with Klinefelter Syndrome , your health care team may include a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders involving the body’s glands and hormones (endocrinologist), a speech therapist, a pediatrician, a physical therapist, a genetic counselor, a specialist in reproductive medicine or infertility, and a counselor or psychologist. Although there is no way to repair sex chromosome changes due to Klinefelter Syndrome, treatments can help minimize its effects. The sooner a diagnosis is made and treatment started, the greater the benefits. But it’s never too late to get help.

Treatment for Klinefelter Syndrome may include:

• Testosterone replacement therapy: From the time of the usual onset of puberty, testosterone replacement may be given to help stimulate changes that normally occur at puberty, such as developing a deeper voice, increasing facial and body hair, and increasing muscle mass and penis size. Testosterone therapy can also improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. It will not result in testicle enlargement or improve infertility.
  Removal of breast tissue. In males who develop enlarged breasts, excess breast tissue can be removed by a plastic surgeon, leaving a more normal chest.
• Speech and physical therapy: These treatments can help boys with Klinefelter Syndrome overcome problems with speech, language, and muscle weakness.
  Assessment and educational support. Some boys with Klinefelter Syndrome have trouble learning and socializing and may benefit from extra assistance. Talk to your child’s teacher, school counselor or school nurse about the kind of support that can help.
• Fertility treatment : Most men with Klinefelter Syndrome are unable to bear children because few or no sperm are produced in the testes . For some men with minimal sperm production, a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can help. During ICSI, sperm is removed from the testicle with a biopsy needle and injected directly into the egg.
• Psychological Counseling: Having Klinefelter Syndrome can be challenging, especially during puberty and young adulthood. For men with the condition, dealing with infertility can be difficult. A family therapist, counselor or psychologist can help resolve emotional issues.

If you notice symptoms of Klinefelter Syndrome in yourself or your child, speak to your healthcare professional. You may be referred to a specialist for testing and diagnosis.