Klinefelter syndrome is a disorder of genetic origin. The syndrome only affects males. It is the result of a male having an additional X chromosome in most of his cells. This is contrastingly different to the normal X and Y set of chromosomes the average male has. In general, Klinefelter syndrome symptoms can vary significantly in every male with the condition.
The sex chromosomes of a male with Klinefelter syndrome are generally represented as XXY, although it is possible to have more than one extra X chromosome. The more severe the genetic disorder is, the more symptoms an individual may experience. In many cases, people with just one additional chromosome are not be medically diagnosed with the syndrome until adolescence. This may be due to the fact that symptoms of this syndrome are not usually seen until that time.
Tallness, a rounded body type and being overweight can be some mild symptoms. Commonly, adolescent boys with this syndrome are often a lot taller than other boys their age. In addition, a person with this condition may have wider hips and shoulders that are more narrow than the average man. Underdeveloped or particularly small muscles may also be apparent. Many males will have a thinness of hair, which may result in sparse facial and body hair.
Symptoms can also include low testosterone levels. This may cause a man to have uncommonly small testes, that may be much firmer than normal. Particularly low levels of testosterone could also cause male breasts to significantly enlarge. Gynecomastia is the medical name of this symptom. The inability to produce sperm can be another symptom and this symptom can prompt male infertility.
Some individuals with Klinefelter syndrome may have a language impairment. This may cause delayed talking in a child with this disorder. In addition, he or she may have difficulty reading and writing. Often, individuals with very pronounced symptoms may have socialization problems.
Klinefelter syndrome symptoms may be treated with testosterone therapy. Increasing the levels of testosterone may alleviate a great number of symptoms of this genetic disorder. For instance, the increase may further develop the muscles and improve sparse facial hair. It may also strengthen the bones and lessen the chances of developing a condition like osteoporosis. Although, anyone can develop osteoporosis, a male with weakened bones due to this syndrome may be more at risk.
Individuals with this syndrome may be treated with other various kinds of therapy as well. Psychological therapy may be beneficial in learning how to deal with the emotional affects of having this disorder. In addition, speech therapy may also be prescribed. This treatment may be used to assist individuals with delayed language development.