Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Klinefelter syndrome

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

47 X-X-Y syndrome


Treatment

Testosterone therapy may be prescribed. This can help:

  • Grow body hair
  • Improve appearance of muscles
  • Improve concentration
  • Improve mood and self esteem
  • Increase energy and sex drive
  • Increase strength

Most men with this syndrome are not able to get a woman pregnant. However, an infertility specialist may be able to help. A special doctor called an endocrinologist may also be helpful.


Support Groups
www.aaksis.org
Complications

Enlarged teeth with a thinning surface is very common in Klinefelter syndrome. This is called taurodontism. It can be diagnosed by dental x-rays.

Klinefelter syndrome also increases your risk of:

  • Attention deficient hyperactivity disorder
  • Autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren syndrome
  • Breast cancer in men
  • Depression
  • Learning disabilities, including dyslexia, which affects reading
  • A rare type of tumor called an extragonadal germ cell tumor
  • Lung disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Varicose veins

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your son does not develop secondary sexual characteristics at puberty. This includes facial hair growth and a deepening of the voice.

A genetics counselor can provide information about this condition and direct you to support groups in your area.


Review Date: 11/01/2010
Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, Winston-Salem, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)