Klinefelter Syndrome

Definition
Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition found in men who are born with an extra copy of the x chromosome. The condition may negatively affect testicular growth, causing under-average size testicles, which can lead to lower testosterone production. The syndrome is often not diagnosed before adulthood; however, medical attention is important as it may interfere with fertility.¹

Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Klinefelter syndrome depend on the age and severity of the condition and the symptoms, therefore, vary greatly. Some men will be greatly affected whereas some men will never be diagnosed.¹

In adult males, the main symptoms of the condition may be:

• Little to no sperm production
• Infertility without medical attention
• Under-average size testicles and penis
• Less facial- and body hair
• Enlarged breast tissue
• Lower than the average sex drive
• Weak bones
• Less muscular appearance than average
• Increase belly fat

Klinefelter syndrome may also increase the risk of developing a range of mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders, and social-, emotional and behavioral challenges.¹

Cause
Klinefelter syndrome is caused by a random error that results in men being born with an extra sex chromosome. This condition is not inherited.
Each person has 46 chromosomes chromosomes. including two chromosomes determining the biological sex of the individual human. Women have two X gender determining chromosomes (XX) whilst men have an X and a Y chromosome (XY).¹

The cause of Klinefelter syndrome could be due to the following reasons:

• 1 extra copy of the X chromosome in each cell (XXY), the most common cause
• 1 extra X chromosome in some of the cells, known as mosaic Klinefelter syndrome causing fewer symptoms
• More than 1 extra copy of the X chromosome, a rare type of Klinefelter syndrome. This form of syndrome leads to more severe symptoms.

It was shown that there is an overlap between the cognitive impairment between autism spectrum disorders and patients suffering from Klinefelter Syndrome. Therefore, cannabinoids may hold some potential in relieving symptoms of Klinefelter Syndrome.²

Please refer to the autism entry for more information.

Note: If you have any further information relevant to the connection between Klinefelter Syndrome and cannabinoids, or find any of the information inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete please contact us here.