Impact on Wellbeing
Not going through puberty at the same time as peers can be stressful and sometimes traumatic for people with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) or Kallmann Syndrome (KS).
The teenage years are difficult enough for people who enter puberty at the normal time. Having delayed or absent puberty, and being left behind by a peer group, can be particularly difficult and may result in:
- Low self-esteem, little confidence
- Shyness, difficulty interacting with peers
- Difficulty forming intimate emotional and physical relationships
- Having little or no sex drive (libido)
- Anxiety, depression
- Poor body image
Specific to KS:
- A lack or abnormal sense of smell can affect the sense of taste and enjoyment of food
- An inability to detect the smell of gas or spoiled food can cause health and safety concerns
- Concerns about body odor can cause social anxiety and self-isolation
The impact of CHH/KS on wellbeing can be overcome.
Resources are available to help provide support.
Having CHH/KS can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, embarrassment, isolation, and frustration. The burden and symptoms of CHH/KS may make it more difficult to form intimate emotional and physical relationships with others. Resources are available to help with these challenges.
Talk with the healthcare team
Healthcare providers (e.g. Primary Care Physician or Endocrinologist) may not realize all of the challenges you are facing and can help find counseling and support.
Connect with others who have CHH/KS
Online and face-to-face support groups can be very helpful. There, people can talk about issues that are important to them, find others living with CHH/KS, and get practical advice.
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