Kallmann's syndrome is a form of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH). This is a very long winded way of saying that there is a breakdown in the communication between he brain and the gonads, either the testes or ovaries.

In Kallmann's or HH there is a failure to start or to fully complete puberty. A person will Kallmann's will also have an absent or very reduced sense of smell. Without the correct treatment a person with Kallmann's or HH will not go through puberty, most probably be infertile and have a increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

People with Kallmann's have to take a form of hormone replacement therapy to replace the hormones that are normally produced by the testes or ovaries.

It is a rare genetic, hormonal disorder. The exact genetic cause is unknown, though are a few genes under investigation. It is a lot rarer then the better known Kleinfelter's and Turner's syndromes which have a known genetic cause. It can be inherited if a person undergoes fertility treatment.

It is not a very well known condition, even in the medical community. A lot of ideas have changed about delayed and absent puberty in the last 10 years so a lot of medical text book are out of date.

There are at least 2 patient groups, one on Yahoo and one on MSN where people can get more information.

There are also 2 web sites where information can also be obtained.

www.hypohh.net

www.kallmanns.org


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That is enough about Kallmann's for the moment. I am sure I will mention it again.....