Klinefelter Essay, Research Paper

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).