What is the history of Kallmann Syndrome?

Kallmann syndrome was described in a paper published in 1944 by Franz Josef Kallmann, a German-American geneticist. The link between anosmia and hypogonadism had already been noted however, in particular by the Spanish doctor Aureliano Maestre de San Juan in 1856. The condition is sometimes known by his name in Spanish speaking countries.

The condition has a low prevalence, estimated as being between 1 in 4,000 and 1 in 10,000 for male HH cases overall and 1 in 50,000 for Kallmann syndrome. It is three to five times more common in males than females. Though whether this is a true sex imbalance or a reflection on how difficult KS / HH is to diagnose correctly, especially in females, has yet to be fully established. A more recent paper published in 2011[16] gave the incidence in the Finnish population at 1 in 48,000, with a sex distinction of 1 in 30,000 for males and 1 in 125,000 for females.

Kallmann syndrome was first described in a medical paper published in 1944 by Franz Josef Kallmann, a German-American geneticist.

The link between anosmia and hypogonadism had already been noted however, in particular by the Spanish doctor Aureliano Maestre de San Juan in 1856.

Hormone replacement therapies have been available since the 1960's, more modern preparations give a better response and more stable hormone level.

Fertility treatments are available with a good success rate but can take a while to work in male patients.

New genetic testing methods increases the information known about the genetic cause of the condition.

Kallmann Syndrome was described in a paper in 1944 by Franz Josef Kallmann. However, a link between Anosmia (lack of a sense of smell) and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was observed as early as 1856