Turner Syndrome

This genetic disorder affects only females. In some, it causes distinct physical features. And it affects how a girl grows and develops. It can also affect parts of the body like the heart.

Causes

What causes this syndrome? It's a problem with one of the X chromosomes. Females have two X chromosomes, one from each parent. These tiny structures contain the body's genetic code. With this syndrome, one of the X chromosomes (or a part of one of these chromosomes) is missing or altered. This happens randomly before birth.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms of Turner syndrome. At birth, you may see a wide neck, low-set ears, a small lower jaw, small fingers and toes and other issues. Turner syndrome can also cause problems with the heart and kidneys. And as a child gets older, she may grow slowly and be shorter than average. She may have problems with sexual development and infertility. Ask your doctor for a full list of symptoms.

Treatment

There is no cure for Turner syndrome. But hormone therapy helps with growth and development. We also treat any other health problem or complication as needed. For more info, talk to your doctor.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.