Don’t fight 47, XXY alone.
Find your community on the free RareGuru App.People with 47, XXY have an extra chromosome. The X and Y chromosomes are the sex chromosomes. Females usually have two X chromosomes (46, XX) and males usually have one X and one Y chromosome (46, XY). People with 47, XXY have two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome. Some people with 47, XXY may have no noticeable signs or symptoms (features) or only mild features. Others may have more moderate to severe features. Common symptoms of 47, XXY include low testosterone, infertility, speech and language problems, and learning difficulties. Although the majority of people with 47, XXY identify as males (gender identity), some people with 47, XXY identify as female, intersex, transgender, or prefer not to identify with a gender at all. A diagnosis of 47, XXY may be suspected by signs and symptoms and confirmed by genetic testing. Diagnosis may also be made during prenatal genetic testing or infertility testing.
People with 47, XXY are at an increased risk of developing diabetes, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmmune disorders, and certain mental health problems. Regular screening for these health problems is suggested. Although most males with 47, XXY are infertile, many produce sperm and may be able to conceive with assisted reproduction. A discussion about testosterone therapy with a pediatric endocrinologist is advised, even if the person with 47, XXY does not identify as male. Other features of 47, XXY may be managed by early intervention, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, extra help in school, counseling, and social skills training.
Less commonly, some woman are found to be 47, XXY. In most of these cases, a change or mutation has been found in a gene that helps control male sexual development. Most often, women with 47, XXY are infertile, but in a few cases they have had children naturally.
Source: GARD Last updated on 05-01-20
Some people with 47, XXY do not have any noticeable signs or symptoms (features) associated with the chromosome variation. Others may have features that range from mild to severe.
In general male babies and young boys with 47, XXY are not very different from babies and young boys with 46, XY. Some may have slightly longer legs, weaker muscles, delayed development of motor skills, and learning and/or language problems. Puberty and adulthood is when differences may become more clear. One of the most common features shared by males with 47, XXY is hypogonadism, which means the testes do not produce enough testosterone. Other than a small period in infancy, testosterone production is not important until puberty. Low testosterone may cause some boys with 47, XXY to have delayed or incomplete puberty, as well as may worsen concentration, mood, and behavioral problems. For others, the low testosterone may not cause noticeable symptoms until adulthood when low sexual drive and tiredness may develop and continue to worsen with age. For some men, infertility caused by no or low sperm count may be the first detected symptom.
Many but not all males with 47, XXY may develop signs and symptoms (features) of Klinefelter syndrome (KS) during their teen and adult years. KS is the name of a collection of features that include decreased testosterone production (primary hypogonadism), small testes, enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia), tall stature, long legs, wide hips, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and social relational problems. KS can also be caused by other sex chromosome variations.
Last updated on 05-01-20
Do you have information about a disease, disorder, or syndrome? Want to suggest a symptom?
Please send suggestions to RareGuru!