Answer:
by : (05/13/2004)
Klinefelter’s Syndrome is a genetic disorder
caused by the presence of an extra X chromosome.
Individuals with Klinefelter’s syndrome have a sex
chromosome patter of XXY rather than the normal XY
pattern. It is estimated that it about 0.2% of all
live-born males are born with this abnormal
chromosome pattern.
Males with Klinefelter’s syndrome
have rudimentary testes and prostate glands. Starting
during puberty the testes normally produce
testosterone which is required for initiating and
maintaining a males secondary sex characteristics and
sex drive. Since the testes are under developed in
males with Klinefelter’s syndrome they produce below
normal levels of testosterone.
Periodic supplemental
injections of testosterone is a standard medical
treatment for men with Klinefelter’s. Syndrome.
Testosterone treatment is normally well tolerated and is
not associated with any serious health risks. Since
testosterone is steroid hormone it has a long half-life in
the body, which explains why it only needs to be
injected every two to three weeks.
If the testosterone
treatments are halted there may vary well be a
reduction in sex drive as well as a deterioration in the
presence of secondary sex characteristics such as body
and facial. However, this reduction in both the sex
drive and secondary sex characteristics will occur
gradually due to the chemical nature of testosterone
and its long half-life.Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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