Hitler genetic disorder: What is Kallmann Syndrome? Condition can lead to micropenis

DNA testing of Adolf Hitler's blood led researchers to believe that the Nazi dictator likely suffered from Kallmann Syndrome, a genetic condition.

Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler likely suffered from Kallmann Syndrome, a genetic disorder, AFP reported. This syndrome can result in symptoms like micropenis, the agency added. DNA testing of Hitler's blood led researchers to believe that he suffered from Kallmann Syndrome.

The DNA testing was made possible from a sample of Adolf Hitler's blood that researchers had obtained from a piece of the material taken from the sofa where the Nazi dictator had shot himself. (X/@krassenstein)

“No one has ever really been able to explain why Hitler was so uncomfortable around women throughout his life, or why he probably never entered into intimate relations with women,” Alex Kay of the University of Potsdam said. “But now we know that he had Kallmann Syndrome, this could be the answer we've been looking for,” he added.

Notably, there have been popular World War II songs which have mocked Hitler's anatomy, but there has not been any scientific basis for that, till now. These research findings will also be shown in a new documentary – Hitler's DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator, slated to be broadcast this Saturday.

What to know about Hitler's DNA test results

The testing found a ‘high likelihood’ that Hitler had Kallmann Syndrome. It also showed ‘very high’ scores, in fact, in the top one percent, for a predisposition to autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, AFP reported program makers Blink Films say.

The tests also quashed rumors of Hitler having any Jewish ancestry. "Analysis of the DNA debunks this myth by showing that the Y chromosome data matches the DNA of Hitler's male line relative. If he had Jewish ancestry (through an outside relationship), that match wouldn't be there," the production company said.

This testing was made possible from a sample of Hitler's blood that researchers had obtained from a piece of the material taken from the sofa where the Nazi dictator had shot himself.

What is Kallmann Syndrome?

Kallmann Syndrome affects the production of hormones that support sexual development and the sense of smell, Cleveland Clinic states. It can also cause late puberty or even prevent puberty. This syndrome reportedly takes place when certain genes change during fetal development. Biological parents may pass this down to their children. This condition is more prevalent in males than females.

For boys, having Kallmann Syndrome can lead to small penis and testicles, as per Cleveland Clinic. It can also result in infertility for both boys and girls. For girls, this syndrome can lead to lack of breast development, no or significantly delayed periods. Both may also suffer from balance issues, dental abnormalities like missing or unusually small teeth, eye movement disorders, fatigue, low sex drive, mood changes, scoliosis, and weight gain. In some cases, there might also be the loss of kidney.

Hormone replacement therapy is a common way to treat this symptom, Cleveland Clinic further noted.

Speaking about Hitler and the Kallmann Syndrome, Blink Films said that it often results in “low testosterone levels, undescended testicles and can result in a micropenis”.

(With AFP inputs)