I am H.H.
What is Kallmann Syndrome & CHH
We work on a variety of issues that families and individuals with Kallmann Syndrome & CHH conditions face.
What is H.H.?
HH stands for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism; a rare genetic condition that affects the activity of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
A person with HH will normally have delayed or absent puberty. HH is most often, but not always, present from birth so is often called congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
In turn, a person is unable to physically develop correctly from childhood to adulthood.
How does H.H. happen?
One of the hypothalamus’ most important functions is to link the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. If that link does not occur, then puberty cannot happen. Puberty cannot occur when essential hormones, known as gonadotropins (FSH and LH) are not sent to the gonads.
In H.H. the hypothalamus is unable to release a hormone called GnRH correctly which prevents the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.
What is Kallmann Syndrome?
Kallmann syndrome (KS) is a specific form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism where the sense of smell is absent (anosmia) or severely reduced (hyposmia). Both disorders cause absent or delayed puberty, but the definitive difference between the two is a patient who is diagnosed with Kallmann Syndrome will also have anosmia or hyposmia.
