Turner's Syndrome
By: Paige Bibbo
What Is Turner's Syndrome?
Turner's Syndrome is not inherited and only affects girls at random. It starts at cell division, most females have two X chromosomes but those affected by this syndrome either just have one, or are missing part of one.
Symptoms
At birth or during infancy:
- web like neck
- low set ears
- short fingers/toes
- arms that turn outwards at the elbows
- slightly smaller than average height at birth
- delayed growth
- No growth spurts
- short height (under 5ft)
- learning disabilities
- problems with understanding others emotions/reactions
- inability to conceive on their own (most)
Treatments
There is no cure for turners syndrome, although human growth hormone can be given to those who are affected. This can help increase height by a few inches. Estrogen replacement therapy can help start the secondary sexual development that normally starts at puberty. This helps with certain developments such as the menstrual cycle.
Coping and Support
Peer groups for girls with Turner syndrome can help reinforce their self-esteem and provide her with a social network of people who understand her experience with Turner syndrome.
There are also groups for parents that provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, developing coping strategies and locate resources.
Tests
Turner's Syndrome can be diagnosed at any stage of life and should be tested on everyone before birth. It can be diagnosed by a chromosome analysis during prenatal testing.
Testing your child during pregnancy will help with families to start researching what happens when their child grows up and what they can do to help them.
If you chose not to test your child during birth (which is very ineffective) there are exams that doctors can preform to determine if children have this syndrome. They often look for signs of poor development.
Infants with Turner's syndrome usually have swollen hands and feet.