Klinefelter's syndrome (patient information)
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What is Klinefelter's syndrome?
Klinefelter's syndrome is the presence of an extra X chromosome in a male.
What are the symptoms of Klinefelter's syndrome?
The most common symptom is infertility. Other symptoms may include:
- Abnormal body proportions (long legs, short trunk, shoulder equal to hip size)
- Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia)
- Sexual problems
- Less than normal amount of pubic, armpit, and facial hair
- Small, firm testicles
- Small penis
- Tall height
What causes Klinefelter's syndrome?
Humans have 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes contain all of your genes and DNA, the building blocks of the body. The two sex chromosomes determine if you become a boy or a girl. Females normally have two of the same sex chromosomes, written as XX. Males normally have an X and a Y chromosome (written as XY).
Klinefelter's syndrome is one of a group of sex chromosome problems. It results in males who have at least one extra X chromosome. Usually, this occurs due to one extra X (written as XXY).
Klinefelter's syndrome is found in about 1 out of every 500 - 1,000 newborn males. Women who have pregnancies after age 35 are slightly more likely to have a boy with this syndrome than younger women.
Who is at risk for Klinefelter's syndrome?
How do I know I have Klinefelter's syndrome?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Klinefelter's syndrome
Directions to Hospitals Treating Klinefelter's syndrome