Klinefelter syndrome

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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

When screening for Klinefelter syndrome, the doctor will do a thorough physical examination and ask detailed questions about symptoms and your (or your son's) health. Be prepared to discuss when you, or your son, reached certain puberty milestones, such as the development of pubic and armpit hair, enlargement of the penis, and increased testicle size. The doctor may take blood or urine samples to see whether hormone levels are normal.

Take a few steps to make sure you make the best of the doctor visit:

  • Write down detailed notes about any symptoms.
  • Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements that you (or your son) are taking.

Your time with the doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. You might want to ask the following questions:

  • What tests are needed to confirm my (or my son's) diagnosis or see if the symptoms are caused by something else?
  • What treatments are necessary?
  • What are the side effects and expected results of treatment?
  • Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home? What Web sites do you recommend visiting?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask the doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.

References
  1. Klinefelter syndrome. National Institutes of Health. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/klinefelter_syndrome.cfm. Accessed Feb. 19, 2008.
  2. Klinefelter syndrome. Madison's Foundation. http://www.madisonsfoundation.org/index.php/component/option,com_mpower/diseaseID,195/. Accessed Feb. 19, 2008.
  3. Lanfranko F, et al. Klinefelter's syndrome. The Lancet. 2004;364(9430):273-283
  4. Bojesen A, et al. Klinefelter syndrome in clinical practice. Nature Clinical Practice Urology. 2007;4(4):192-193.
  5. Klinefelter syndrome. U.S. National Library of Medicine. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=klinefeltersyndrome. Accessed Feb. 26, 2008.
  6. Klinefelter (XXY) syndrome. California Department of Developmental Services. http://www.ddhealthinfo.org/coursebuilder/?id=25. Accessed Feb. 19, 2008.

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Oct. 28, 2008

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