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Living with X-linked central congenital hypothyroidism with late-onset testicular enlargement

A rare genetic condition with an underactive thyroid from birth, delayed puberty, and larger testes in adulthood.

Understanding X-linked central congenital hypothyroidism with late-onset testicular enlargement

X-linked central congenital hypothyroidism with late-onset testicular enlargement is a rare genetic hormone condition.

It causes central hypothyroidism, meaning the thyroid is underactive because of a signal problem from the brain. Testes enlarge during the teen years, leading to large testes in adults. Testosterone rises late in puberty, with a delayed growth spurt. The thyroid gland is small, and prolactin and growth hormone can be low.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Larger testes in adulthood
  • Delayed rise in testosterone in puberty
  • Delayed pubertal growth spurt
  • Low prolactin
  • Overweight

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and hormone specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in IGSF1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Could IGSF1 genetic testing help our family?
How are thyroid and hormone levels monitored?
Which endocrine specialist should follow my child?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceX-Linked
GenesIGSF1

This condition is caused by changes in the IGSF1 gene and follows X-linked inheritance.

GeneticEndocrine

Also known as: central hypothyroidism and testicular enlargement; chte; hypothyroidism central and testicular enlargement; hypothyroidism, central, and testicular enlargement; hypothyroidism, central, and testicular enlargement, x-linked recessive; hypothyroidism, central, with testicular enlargement

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · X-linked central congenital hypothyroidism with late-onset testicular enlargementGARD ID 17499 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with X-linked central congenital hypothyroidism with late-onset testicular enlargement.

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