According to an upcoming Channel 4 documentary, Hitler’s DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator, researchers made an interesting breakthrough when they discovered the Nazi leader likely had a genetic disorder.
When it became apparent that the Nazis would soon be defeated, contributing to the end of World War Two, the anti-Semitic dictator fatally shot himself on April 30, 1945, from inside a bunker in Berlin.
While Hitler’s body was reportedly doused in petrol and burnt, leaving behind only dental remains to identify him from, researchers have managed to assess DNA blood samples from the couch where he died, all thanks to an American soldier who preserved this crucial segment from the scene.
The samples indicate the 56-year-old may have suffered from Kallmann Syndrome, a genetic disorder that blocks puberty, decreases testosterone and can result in a micro-penis.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the syndrome affects the production of hormones that support sexual development and, sometimes, even the sense of smell. It occurs when certain genes change during fetal development and can often be inherited, but not always.
It can appear in childhood or adulthood, with symptoms ranging from a lack of breast development and periods in women, to a small penis and testicles in men.
A low sex drive and infertility are other signs which might explain why Hitler never fathered his own children.
Professor Turi King, the lead geneticist on this research, said of the discovery: “If he was to look at his own genetic results, he would have almost certainly have sent himself to the gas chambers.”
The Nazis, under Hitler’s regime, would use gas chambers during WW2 for the systematic mass murder of millions of people – the majority being Jewish – as part of the Holocaust.
Speculation around Adolf Hitler’s sexuality
Dr Alex Kay, a historian at Potsdam University in Germany, said in the documentary: “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.
“But now we know that he had Kallmann Syndrome, this could be the answer we’ve been looking for. Hitler clearly goes very much against this in not having any kind of family, in not having children, in not being married.”
Hitler did, however, marry his long-term girlfriend of 14 years, Eva Braun, albeit only tying the knot some hours before committing suicide together.
Rumors of Hitler’s drug use and mental state
Dr Kay said Hitler’s image as a powerful bruiser, motivated only by serving his country, also suggests it was convenient for him as a result of his syndrome.
It wasn’t the only thing the tyrant concealed, as while he promoted healthy living and a vegetarian diet, it is believed Hitler liked to dabble in illicit drugs like cocaine and meth as well as morphine and oxycodone.
“For 80 years, there has been lots of speculation about Hitler’s medical and psychiatric conditions,” Dan Chambers, a creative director at Blink Films, said.
“Now, by looking into his DNA for the first time in history, we’re able to reveal a whole series of things – some that we might have expected, others that are really surprising.”
The DNA analysis also indicated that Hitler may have had several neurodivergent conditions.
