Kallmann syndrome is a genetic condition caused by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), of which four separate types have been identified. People with Kallmann syndrome experience olfactory deficiencies, and puberty that is either absent, or delayed. Males with HH may have undescended testes and a micropenis; females lack breast development, and may not menstruate at the onset of puberty.
Why does this occur? The person’s pituitary gland doesn’t produce enough of the hormones that affect sexual development.
One of the symptoms that differentiates Kallmann patients from other patients with a form of HH is the diminished sense of smell, or it’s completely absent.
Most cases are diagnosed shortly after birth–the cause is rooted in genetics, but other people may have idiopathic HH, meaning there is no known cause. Early diagnosis is important because certain psycho-sexual symptoms can be treated, and fertility issues addressed.
Kallmann syndrome is three to five times more likely to affect males than females, to date, at least 25 genes have been implicated in causing this rare genetic disorder.
Clinical studies are underway, and if you would like to learn more, or possibly participate in a trial, visit clinicaltrials.gov.
What have you done to spread awareness of your chronic condition? Let us know in the comments below!
