Common health issues
Although this may look like a long list of health issues, few people are affected by many of them.
Osteoporosis is present in up to 40% of subjects with KS/XXY and has usually been attributed to low testosterone levels. However, reduced bone mass might also be present in KS/XXY adults with normal testosterone levels and testosterone replacement therapy does not always restore bone density in KS/XXY patients.
Exposure to sunshine and a diet high in calcium during childhood/adolescence can help.
For more information, visit the Royal Osteoporosis Society
The incidence of diabetes associated with KS/XXY is three times higher than in the general population, although the reason for this isn’t fully understood.
To minimise the risk of type 2 diabetes, it is particularly important that a healthy diet is maintained. Regular exercise is also likely to help.
Although most autoimmune diseases predominately affect women, those with KS/XXY appear to have an increased risk compared to XY males.
A study of patients with lupus indicated that KS/XXY adults have the same risk as females.
It is thought that this increased risk may be related to the the extra chromosome.
Other autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS).
Varicose veins, leg ulcers, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are significantly more common in KS/XXY adults than the general population. It is thought that this may be due to the extra chromosome rather than the absence of testosterone.
There is an increased risk of conditions such as chronic bronchitis although the reason for this isn’t known.
Depression is quite common. Some find that testosterone replacement can help.
Although untreated KS/XXY adults are less likely to suffer from prostate cancer, when using testosterone their risk factor increases to that of an XY male. The prostate should be examined before treatment starts. PSA levels should then be checked after a year then every 1 to 3 years.
Particularly in the 15 to 30 age group, there is an increased risk of some cancers – germ cell, lung, testicular, Hodgkin lymphoma and breast cancer. For more about breast cancer, see ‘common symptoms’.
Taurodontism is rare condition which appears to be more prevalent in those with KS/XXY. It affects mainly the development of the molar teeth in such a way that the body of the tooth is enlarged. As it may not show up in an examination without an x-ray.
Sometimes the jaw is smaller than is usual. This may cause additional problems.
Oral hygiene is particularly important.
The muscles and soft tissues in the throat relaxes causing a total blockage of the airway. It is called an apnoea when the airflow is blocked for 10 seconds or more during which time the sleeper isn’t able to take a breath.
It may be caused by poor muscle tone, small lower jaw and being overweight. Refer to a local sleep centre.
This usually causes an involuntary shaking of the hands which can be annoying. If severe, a new treatment has just been accepted by the NHS.
Probably because of poor muscle tone, many KS/XXY folk have a rather unbalanced way of walking. Physiotherapy and keeping active will help.
In KS/XXY the chromosomal pattern is neither male nor female – although most of those affected identify as male. However, there is an overlap between male/female anatomies – breast formation, weight distribution, lack of facial hair etc.
Ignoring this ‘overlap’ can cause physical and emotional upset, late diagnosis, and/or inappropriate treatment.
- Auto-immune conditions such as lupus
- breast cancer
- urinary tract infections
- osteoporosis
As it is repeatedly reported that KS/XXY people display female weight distribution, it may be that their calorific intake should be somewhere between the average 2,500 recommended for males and 2,000 recommended for females.
Approximately 40% of those diagnosed with KS/XXY will develop gynaecomastia – female type breast tissue. A person with KS/XXY is 20 times more likely to develop breast cancer than an XY male. However, this is still only 70% of the female rate. As, in the UK, there is no provision for monitoring men for breast cancer, the risk of someone diagnosed with KS/XXY developing breast cancer is being ignored. All KS/XXY men should be encouraged to self-examine and be shown how to do so. There are videos available on the internet. If it was accepted that KS/XXY was an intersex condition then checks could be put in place to ensure proper monitoring to reduce the risks.
There is research which suggests that there is an increased risk of schizophrenia and paranoia associated with KS/XXY.
Extreme anxiety is often noted.
There may also be an increase in autism.
