How To Diagnose And Treat Klinefelter Syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that occurs when a male is born with an additional X chromosome. Klinefelter syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder, and it can only be diagnosed after laboratory tests are completed to determine if an individual has the disorder. Some males with Klinefelter syndrome have no symptoms or only mild ones, but some have more noticeable symptoms. Men with Klinefelter syndrome tend to have breast enlargement, smaller genitals, lack of facial and bodily hair, very late or unfinished puberty, and abnormal body proportions. Additionally, patients with Klinefelter syndrome may have social, cognitive, behavioral, or other psychological problems. In some cases, there will be more than two X chromosomes per cell, resulting in even more severe symptoms. While it cannot be cured, some things can help manage the disorder.

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Hormone Testing

A diagnosis of Klinefelter syndrome can be made with the use of hormone testing on blood. Hormones are chemical substances produced by the body that regulate the functionality of certain organs or cells. A complete evaluation of an individual's hormones includes the plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, testosterone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and prolactin. Males affected by Klinefelter syndrome between twelve and fourteen years old are more likely to have elevated levels of luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and follicle-stimulating hormone in their plasma. It is also common to see these patients present with low testosterone in their plasma. Abnormal levels of cortisol may be observed in affected individuals because forty-seven percent of those diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome are also affected by adrenal steroidogenic deficiency. Abnormal Leydig cell function can cause a Klinefelter syndrome patient to present with increased levels of urinary gonadotropins.

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Physical Therapy

One of the things an individual with Klinefelter syndrome may experience is reduced muscle mass and motor control. This is due, in part, to the lack of testosterone present in Klinefelter syndrome patients. Physical therapy can be a helpful tool to help build muscle mass and regain some motor control. A physical therapist should specifically design certain tasks and exercises to help with these goals. The exercises should result in the person become stronger with better balance, coordination, and control. The duration of this facet of treatment is highly variable with each individual. Individuals who have mild symptoms may not need this form of treatment, but patients with more severe symptoms are more likely to need this. Additionally, patients who have had this treatment more extensively in the past may be able to end this treatment. There may be some who will need a physical therapist for most of their life.

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