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Can Girls Get Klinefelter's Syndrome?

Published in Genetics 2 mins read

No, girls cannot get Klinefelter syndrome.

Understanding Klinefelter Syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition affecting only males. It's caused by the presence of an extra X chromosome, resulting in a karyotype of 47,XXY instead of the typical male XY. This extra chromosome disrupts typical male development. While rare instances of 47,XXY individuals presenting with a female phenotype have been reported (as noted in research such as this PubMed article), these are exceptions and do not change the fundamental fact that Klinefelter syndrome is a condition specific to those assigned male at birth. The condition is not inherited, it's a random event occurring during the formation of sperm or egg cells. (Source: Mayo Clinic).

The Nemours KidsHealth website clearly states that "Klinefelter syndrome only affects males." The NHS also explains that Klinefelter syndrome occurs when "a boy is born with an extra copy of the X chromosome," (Source: NHS) further emphasizing its male-specific nature.

Several other reputable sources (MedlinePlus Genetics, Cleveland Clinic, Mount Sinai) reiterate this point, consistently describing Klinefelter syndrome as a condition affecting males.

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