“I Was Born With An Extra Chromosome” | Listen Up | ABC Science

Klinefelter Syndrome (also known as 47,XXY) is a common genetic condition, affecting one in 550 men. Despite the prevalence, it’s rarely diagnosed.

Small testicles are often a sign, but other symptoms can include reduced muscle mass, reduced body and facial hair, enlarged breasts, low sex drive and low energy. Speak to your GP with any concerns.

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[ABCScience]

👏 👏 BIG THANKS to Seamus for sharing his story.

[Forge]

This man is so brave for going on camera and sharing his struggle. He’s owned it and is actually helping others

[largemargetakingcharge]

I’m so happy to see more people disclose this type of sensitive information to the public. I am intersex who has male appendage, but ovaries and uterus. Find out around 20 years of age after periodically having what I thought was a uti or prostate cancer, but found out it was a period.

[lynnsavron]

My stepson was diagnosed with this disorder. It was actually a relief to know that his behavior and physical symptoms had an explanation. He had all of the typical Klinefelter characteristics, and life was not easy for him. Unfortunately, one of the risk factors of this syndrome is testicular cancer, which took his life at the age of 35. He is much missed.

[Rantsack]

My fiance has 47 XXY and I never had a problem with him. When you're with someone, you have to be there and support them. Not judge them. Sadly, my fiance passed from cancer 12 years ago. We have been together for 14 years He was an amazing person and always tells me, how happy he was to have met me and I made him feel confident everyday.

[jameschamberlain]

I got diagnosed with 47xxy last year. This man's story resonates with me so much. ❤

[davechristensen]

I had a friend in the military who was also XXY. He didn't find out until he was 40. He had amazing extra mental abilities that very few people have.

[clankbo]

Very brave of him to share his story! And it is shocking to read that 1 out of every 550 men has this condition. That is so many!

[Liberperlo]

I'm glad Seamus is getting the treatment he needs. I have Turner Syndrome, which is 45 X, so I'm a woman who lacks the second X (or Y). I also was helped with hormone supplementation, so I can relate. Good Luck Seamus!

[JC-smmp]

His mom building him up and advocating for his autonomy feels do heart-felt. Telling him he doesn't have to be stuck in a rut, that's a life changing thing from a parent

[Mikeexteriorcleaning]

I was diagnosed with XXY at 34, feeling tired and experiencing symptoms like low testosterone (1.1), gynecomastia, low energy, and reduced sex drive. Androgen therapy has significantly improved my condition. I also have ADHD. I am grateful to have two kids through a sperm donor, and I proudly call them my own.

[chrisf]

Being this gutsy and open about your life is incredibly brave. What an extraordinary man. I wish him every success and happiness.

[trh]

I was born with XXY. A little different from this gentleman. Learning difficulties and anger problems when I was a child. Still have some of those problems at 40 years old.

[kevinjenkins]

I can totally relate to this, I have a pituitary tumor that took away all my testosterone. My bloodwork said I was at 23, when the normal range is 300-1200. It is mentally and physically punishing, and more or less ruined my relationship. Glad this guy found relief and peace

[PLuMUK]

One of the things that resonated with me was how you feel after a diagnosis. At 58, I was diagnosed with a condition that I'd always had. I felt empowered, validated, and grateful because I finally had a label that explained why I was different. It was life changing.

I am glad that people are brave enough to go public like this. When a person is diagnosed with any lifelong condition, it makes it so much easier when you realise that you are not alone.

[jarcha]

My neighbor struggled getting a diagnosis of Klinefelter Syndrome back in 1988. I am so glad your mother was so supportive.

[Davett]

In 1965 when I was diagnosed with having Klinefelter syndrome, very little was known about it or was written about it. I began getting testosterone injections, but even then, they were monthly, which later proved to be inadequate. But they worked enough, so that I developed body and facial hair and have a deep manly voice. I didn't really know my learning disabilities were also a by product, until I saw this video. I struggled in school, but since my mother was a educator, she made sure I was tutored. I hated that I went to "school" even during my summer's off from regular school. She recognized my skills and talents in being creative, so she made sure I could take all the art classes available, beyond what we had in our public schools. In high school I was already beginning to exhibit my art, and win awards and recognition. In college I won a 3 year arts scholarship, based on my creative body of work in Print Making and Sculpture. I earned a BFA and later after grad. school a MFA. I knew I could have sex with women, and not worry about getting them pregnant. So I never had to wear (condoms). I did always struggle with depression and anxiety, but until now, didn't realize it was probably because of my low testosterone. While this one thing I learned, is not a healthy choice, however when I discovered alcohol relieved my daily anxiety, I drank small amounts of it daily. I was never drunk, ...just a tiny bit more relaxed, and it served me well. I never crashed my car, or passed out, or lost a day of work. I had learned people referred to it as "liquid courage". And I saw it as such, and utilized that way. It allowed me to buy and drive my motorcycle. It helped me lecture before a classroom of strangers. It may have been more of a "placebo", effect, since I never allowed myself to become drunk. Later in my 60s I was offered psychiatric medications, to replace the booze. They didn't work and I hated them. I'm presently sober, and off alcohol and all psych. meds. too.

[mauricioacorreia]

My oldest brother had klinenfelter syndrome. I just learned that after he was dead (some 30 years ago). I wish I knew that before. His life could’ve been easier.
Congratulations for helping others with your story.

[mourningdove]

Thank you, Seamus, for telling your story. I am glad that you found answers. I think that many people in the world need to hear stories like this so they can understand that not everyone is exactly the same, but that is OK.

[Mizoneko]

This is very brave, I have Swyer's Syndrome, I'm female, but I'm 46 XY, found it out when I was 24, had a surgery to remove the pseudo ovaries and been on hormonal replacement therapy since then, I'm 35 now and it is hell with the high BP, the weight problems, and all that... But here we are!