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What Is XXX Syndrome?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Triple X or XXX syndrome is a chromosomal disorder affecting only women, at the rate of about one in one thousand women. Extremely serious issues with both mental and physical development mark many disorders of the chromosomes. This is not the case with those who have XXX syndrome. While they may have a few problems, it’s possible for the syndrome to go unidentified during a woman’s lifetime.

The actual “defect” here is inheritance of a third X or female chromosome. Ordinarily, each woman has two Xs, but what is considered a genetic mishap may occur at conception, transferring a third X to the female with this syndrome. The condition isn’t thought to be “genetic” or inherited, but is rather a chromosomal mistake, in almost all instances. Sometimes XXX syndrome expresses with mosaicism, where only some of the cells in a girl’s body will have the triple X.

Genetic testing can confirm the presence of an extra chromosome.
Genetic testing can confirm the presence of an extra chromosome.

If this condition is diagnosed, it may be discovered due to some commonalities girls with XXX syndrome share. They tend to be taller, on average, than their peers. Early childhood may also be marked by learning disabilities and sometimes developmental delays in things such as walking. Some infants have weaker muscles. As girls with XXX syndrome grow up, some may be more likely to develop mental conditions, but this isn’t true in all cases. There’s also a slightly elevated risk for kidney disease.

Girls with XXX syndrome could have irregular periods or other menstrual issues.
Girls with XXX syndrome could have irregular periods or other menstrual issues.

It cannot be stressed enough the expression of XXX syndrome can greatly vary and children with it might have few problems. As puberty occurs it is possible that girls with this illness could have more irregular periods or trouble with the menstrual cycle. The syndrome usually doesn’t reduce fertility or ability to conceive. Many women with Triple X are able to get pregnant and have normal and healthy children.

Since many people now opt for genetic testing of the fetus prior to birth, it’s possible that XXX syndrome might be diagnosed before a child is born.
Since many people now opt for genetic testing of the fetus prior to birth, it’s possible that XXX syndrome might be diagnosed before a child is born.

Since many people now opt for genetic testing of the fetus prior to birth, it’s possible that XXX syndrome might be diagnosed before a child is born. This can actually be good news for the parents, because such a diagnosis gives them the opportunity to prepare for a child who might have higher needs. If the child born does, indeed, have troubles with poor muscle tone, early occupational therapy may be of use in helping to address this problem. Similarly assessment of learning abilities could take place sooner so that support is given either before or from the onset of the child’s schooling career. With these interventions, there is much indication that this diagnosis need not interfere with a purposeful and productive life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of XXX Syndrome?

Women with XXX syndrome have a higher risk of kidney disease.
Women with XXX syndrome have a higher risk of kidney disease.

The signs of XXX Syndrome might differ from person to person, but the most typical ones include intellectual handicaps, behavioral issues, long faces, and short necks, in addition to physical traits like low muscle tone and behavioral issues. Seizures, autistic-like behaviors, and sleep issues may also be present.

What brings about XXX Syndrome?

The genetic mutation that results in XXX Syndrome can be handed down from parent to child. The "microdeletion" gene on chromosome 1 is impacted by the mutation, and it may influence the emergence of the syndrome. The mutation might occasionally be spontaneous, which means it wasn't inherited from a parent.

How is XXX Syndrome diagnosed?

Receiving a XXX syndrome diagnosis before the child is born can help parents prepare for a child who might have higher needs.
Receiving a XXX syndrome diagnosis before the child is born can help parents prepare for a child who might have higher needs.

Genetic testing, which can identify the mutation causing the disease, is typically used to make the diagnosis of XXX disease. To check for any physical anomalies related to the condition, a doctor may also do a physical examination and order imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan.

Is the XXX Syndrome curable?

There is currently no treatment for XXX Syndrome. There are, however, therapies and treatments that can aid with symptom management and raise quality of life. Physical, occupational, and speech treatments, as well as drugs to control seizures or sleep issues, may be among them.

What is the prognosis for people with XXX Syndrome?

Under normal circumstances, each woman is born with two X chromosomes.
Under normal circumstances, each woman is born with two X chromosomes.

The intensity of the symptoms and the type of treatment a person with XXX Syndrome receives can affect their prognosis. Many people with XXX Syndrome can lead full and productive lives with the right management. However, those who experience more severe symptoms might need more comprehensive support and help.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Feryll

@Animandel - You mentioned that the fact that young girls with XXX syndrome are often taller is probably not one of the major concerns with the condition. However, body image is very important to young girls, so being abnormally tall could have a lasting effect on them throughout their lives.

I'll agree that being tall is not as harmful as having a learning disability has the potential o be, but we should not dismiss the role of the way a person looks in the development of the person emotionally and psychologically. This can be even more of a concern for girls because much more importance is put on women being pretty than is placed on the way men look.

Animandel

@Sporkasia - From reading this article, it seems to me that XXX syndrome could easily go undiagnosed, or it could be diagnosed as some other condition. I bet most families who have children with the condition go through a lot of challenges that go unnoticed by the average observer looking in from the outside.

Also, I imagine that the extra height in girls is the lesser of the symptoms of XXX syndrome.

Sporkasia

Until my daughter met a new friend in school this year, I had not heard of XXX syndrome. The little girl is tall for her age, taller than all of the boys in her class. However, this isn't strange since girls often get their growth spurts early and reach their maximum heights before boys.

Anyway, after reading this article, I understand more about this condition. In the case of the little girl who is friends with my daughter, you can't see simply by looking that she has triple X. She is a normal little girl who simply is much taller than the other kids in the class as far as most people know.

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    • Genetic testing can confirm the presence of an extra chromosome.
      By: lily
      Genetic testing can confirm the presence of an extra chromosome.
    • Girls with XXX syndrome could have irregular periods or other menstrual issues.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Girls with XXX syndrome could have irregular periods or other menstrual issues.
    • Since many people now opt for genetic testing of the fetus prior to birth, it’s possible that XXX syndrome might be diagnosed before a child is born.
      By: Francois du Plessis
      Since many people now opt for genetic testing of the fetus prior to birth, it’s possible that XXX syndrome might be diagnosed before a child is born.
    • Women with XXX syndrome have a higher risk of kidney disease.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Women with XXX syndrome have a higher risk of kidney disease.
    • Receiving a XXX syndrome diagnosis before the child is born can help parents prepare for a child who might have higher needs.
      By: Radek Sturgolewski
      Receiving a XXX syndrome diagnosis before the child is born can help parents prepare for a child who might have higher needs.
    • Under normal circumstances, each woman is born with two X chromosomes.
      By: kazzakova
      Under normal circumstances, each woman is born with two X chromosomes.