What is Triple X?
Triple X syndrome, also called trisomy X or 47, XXX, is a genetic condition that affects girls only. Females normally have two X chromosomes in all cells — one X chromosome from each parent. In triple X syndrome, a female has three X chromosomes, hence the condition is called Triple X.
Signs and symptoms
Many girls and women with triple X syndrome don’t experience symptoms or have only mild symptoms. In others, symptoms may be more apparent, possibly including developmental delays and learning disabilities, problems with spoken language and processing spoken words, coordination problems, and weaker muscles. Seizures and kidney problems occur in a small number of girls and women with triple X syndrome.
Children with Triple X
Triple X affects about 1 in 1,000 females. Triple X is not caused by anything the parents did or did not do. The disorder is a random error in cell division. This error can happen before conception in the reproductive cells of the mother or the father, or early in the embryo’s development.
Diagnosis of Triple X
To diagnose triple X syndrome, doctors do a blood test to look for the extra X chromosome. There is no cure for triple X syndrome, but treatments can help with specific symptoms, depending on their presence and severity.
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