Health issues in Klinefelter syndrome

Most boys and men with Klinefelter syndrome will not be significantly affected and can live normal, healthy lives.

Infertility tends to be the main problem, although there are treatments that can help (see Treatments below).

However, men with Klinefelter syndrome are at a slightly increased risk of developing other health problems, including:

  • type 2 diabetes
  • weak and fragile bones (osteoporosis)
  • cardiovascular disease and blood clots
  • autoimmune disorders (where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body), such as lupus
  • an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
  • anxiety , learning difficultiesand depression although intelligence is usually unaffected
  • male breast cancer although this is very rare

These problems can usually be treated if they do occur and testosterone replacement therapy may help reduce the risk of some of them.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018