FREE ESSAY ON KLINESFELTERS SYNDROME

KLINESFELTERS SYNDROME

Klinesfelters syndrome is a genetic endocrine disorder that affects about one in five
hundred to one in one thousand live born males. It is the most common chromosomal
variation found among humans(Klinefelter's Syndrome & Associates). Klinefelter's Syndrome
is characterized by a lack of normal sexual development, infertility, and psychological
adjustment problems (Wyndbrant, Ludman 317). In this chromosomal variation an extra "X"
chromosome is present in the sex chromosome, the twenty-third chromosome. Klinefelter's
Syndrome is also know as "XXY Syndrome." Klinefelter's Syndrome was named after H.F.
Klinefelter, who studied these patients at Harvard. Klinefelter noted similar
characteristics prevalent among the men and boys he studied. He noted that all patients
were sterile. They had normal sexual function, yet they could not produce sperm to father
children (Wynbrant, Ludman 318). Other characteristics included abnormal breast
development, incomplete masculine build, and social and/or school learning difficulties
(Murken 14). Klinefelter's Syndrome may remain unnoticed until puberty. At this time,
incomplete masculinization or development of female characteristics (enlarged breats)
brings them to medical attention. During puberty breast tissue among those afflicted
develops and continues to grow, often leading to surgical removal of breast tissue
(Klinefelter Syndrome & Associates). Most afflicted individuals tend to be tall, though
not particulary atheletic or coordinated. Also, there is an increased risk of speech or
language problems which can contribute to social and school learning problems (Murken
19). The psychological impact of Klinefelter's Sydrome is quite fascinating. Individuals
may have less confidence in their maleness. They may appear more immature, shy, and
dependent than other boys their age. Also, the may seem more passive and apathetic, lack
intiative, and have fragile self-esteem (Wynbrant, Ludman 316). These symptoms appear to
be caused by the hormonal imbalance. Klinefelters patients exhibit other similar
psychological characteristics, such as, a preference for quiet games, hand tremors,
concentration difficulty, frustration based outbursts, as well as, a lack of physical
endurance (Klinefelters Syndrome & Associates). Klinefelter's Syndrome affectx the
function of the testes and their ability to produce testosterone. Thus, it appears that
the characteristics prevalent in Klinefelter's Syndrome are hormonal related. The extra
chromosome does not cause Klinefelter's Sydrome, a lack of testosterone does. Early
testosterone level monitoring is helpful. This hormonal imbalance is treated with
depotestosterone, a synthetic form of testosterone. It is administered once a month. The
results of the treatment can be seen in the progression of physical and sexual
development, including pubic hair, increase in penis size, beard growth, deepening of
voice, and an increase in muscle build and strength. Also, many of the psychological
characteristics appear to be benefitted by the testosterone therapy (Klinefelters
Syndrome & Associates). Benefits of testosterone therapy include a clarity of thought,
more energy and a higher degree of endurance. Also, testosterone therapy appears to
control hand tremors, give the individual greater self esteem, as well as, an easier time
in school and work settings (Murken 35). Even with the testosterone therapy, Klinefelters
patients remain infertile (Klinefelters Syndrome and Associates).