Turner Syndrome Is Not The End.
Essentially, Turner syndrome is a physical anomaly. It only affects females. And while Turner syndrome can present a multitude of challenges for a woman, there is no reason she cannot live as rich a life as anyone else. With the help of a donated embryo, it is possible for some women with Turner Syndrome to have children. Classic characteristics of women with Turner Syndrome include a diminished stature and non-functioning ovaries.
Outwardly, Turner Syndrome is characterized by distinct physical anomalies such as a webbed neck, swelling in hands and feet, heart irregularities, kidney complications, and a shortened and sometimes malformed skeleton.
A girl with Turner syndrome might exhibit normal growth until they are about four. At that time, they will tend to grow more slowly than their age group. The age of puberty is another milestone for women with Turner Syndrome. When most young women come of age they experience a dramatic growth spurt, but not women with Turner Syndrome. Because the ovaries fail to function or have greatly reduced function, a woman with Turner Syndrome will not have the necessary estrogen and progesterone in her body to stimulate menstruation and breast formation unless she receives hormone therapy.
There is a blood test for Turner Syndrome and an unborn child can be tested if the attending doctor thinks this is needed. However, usually the initial diagnosis of Turner Syndrome is made at birth when the classic Turner Syndrome physical anomalies are first observed by hospital staff.
Until they are about four, girls with Turner syndrome may experience normal growth, but then they will begin to grow more slowly. When they approach the age of puberty, a time when most young women experience an unmistakable growth spurt, a young woman with Turner Syndrome will not grow so dramatically, if at all.
In addition to the symptoms and characteristics mentioned above, women with Turner Syndrome may also have a low hairline, arms that turn out slightly at the elbows, heart irregularities, a tendency to develop high blood pressure, weaker vision, spinal deformity, an under active thyroid, an increased risk of diabetes as they age and weaker than normal bones. Many of these issues can be addressed through surgery and hormone replacement therapy.
While a woman with Turner Syndrome does have particular physical anomalies, IQ, verbal skills and reading develop normally. In some girls there might be a slight reduction in math skills, but this has not been proven conclusively. Many young women with Turner Syndrome will have frequent middle ear infections. These infections may cause deafness or partial loss of hearing if not properly treated.
Treatment and management of Turner Syndrome includes the administration of growth hormone in early childhood. The early administration of growth hormone insures that the girl will fully exploit all growth potential her body will permit. At around the age of 12, estrogen replacement therapy is encouraged so the young woman will develop breasts. A short time later, estrogen combined with progesterone is encouraged to initiate menstruation which is essential to keep the uterus healthy. Estrogen also prevents weakening of the bones, a classic concern among women with Turner Syndrome.
Outwardly, Turner Syndrome is characterized by distinct physical anomalies such as a webbed neck, swelling in hands and feet, heart irregularities, kidney complications, and a shortened and sometimes malformed skeleton.
A girl with Turner syndrome might exhibit normal growth until they are about four. At that time, they will tend to grow more slowly than their age group. The age of puberty is another milestone for women with Turner Syndrome. When most young women come of age they experience a dramatic growth spurt, but not women with Turner Syndrome. Because the ovaries fail to function or have greatly reduced function, a woman with Turner Syndrome will not have the necessary estrogen and progesterone in her body to stimulate menstruation and breast formation unless she receives hormone therapy.
There is a blood test for Turner Syndrome and an unborn child can be tested if the attending doctor thinks this is needed. However, usually the initial diagnosis of Turner Syndrome is made at birth when the classic Turner Syndrome physical anomalies are first observed by hospital staff.
Until they are about four, girls with Turner syndrome may experience normal growth, but then they will begin to grow more slowly. When they approach the age of puberty, a time when most young women experience an unmistakable growth spurt, a young woman with Turner Syndrome will not grow so dramatically, if at all.
In addition to the symptoms and characteristics mentioned above, women with Turner Syndrome may also have a low hairline, arms that turn out slightly at the elbows, heart irregularities, a tendency to develop high blood pressure, weaker vision, spinal deformity, an under active thyroid, an increased risk of diabetes as they age and weaker than normal bones. Many of these issues can be addressed through surgery and hormone replacement therapy.
While a woman with Turner Syndrome does have particular physical anomalies, IQ, verbal skills and reading develop normally. In some girls there might be a slight reduction in math skills, but this has not been proven conclusively. Many young women with Turner Syndrome will have frequent middle ear infections. These infections may cause deafness or partial loss of hearing if not properly treated.
Treatment and management of Turner Syndrome includes the administration of growth hormone in early childhood. The early administration of growth hormone insures that the girl will fully exploit all growth potential her body will permit. At around the age of 12, estrogen replacement therapy is encouraged so the young woman will develop breasts. A short time later, estrogen combined with progesterone is encouraged to initiate menstruation which is essential to keep the uterus healthy. Estrogen also prevents weakening of the bones, a classic concern among women with Turner Syndrome.
About the Author:
Living with Turners will be challenging. However, it's possible to meet these challenges with grace and dignity. It helps to learn all you can about Turners. You can find more information here What Is Turners. Also, you may find this video helpful Living With Turners.