Anita's Homepage
I have Turner's Syndrome, and I set up this
web page to inform other people of this chromosomal
disorder.
What is it?
Turner's syndrome results from a lack of the second "X"
chromosome in a female (most females have two). It affects
approximately 1 in 1500 live births.
What Problems Are Associated With the Condition?
There are other features that are common to many women with
Turner's:
There are also certain health problems that are associated with
Turner's Sydrome. Among them are:
Most girls and women with Turner's can live normal, healthy
lives, although most need to be under the supervision of
a doctor all their lives, to keep these medical problems
in check.
Some girls and women with Turner's have some cells
that have normal
"XX" chromosomes. This is called the "Mosaic" type of
Turner's. They generally have fewer of the health problems
associated with the condition, and fewer of the outward
features of it as well.
What Can be Done About It?
More Information:
It was named after Henry Turner, who first
described several girls who were short, and lacked secondary
sex characteristics. Secondary sex characteristics refer to
breast development, menstruation, and a feminine "curves".
A girl with
Turner's will not (in most cases) develop ovaries, and because
of this, she will be infertile.
The lack of ovaries also results in the lack of the secondary sex
characteristics. The reason for this is the lack of hormones
which the ovaries provide in most females.
Shield chest (widely spaced nipples, and broad chest)
Puffiness of the hands and/or feet
Webbed neck
A large number of nevi (moles)
High, narrow palate
Small jaw
Kidney Problems
Heart Disease
Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infections)
Thyroid Problems
Eye Problems
Girls and women with Turner's have many options open to
them today. First, if started on Growth Hormone Therapy
early enough, many of them will be a little taller than
they would otherwise have been. Also, replacing the
the estrogen and progesterone that normally come from the
ovaries, will help develop a more feminine figure.
Finally, advances in in-vitro fertilization make it possible
for women who have the condition to have children.
Questions Parents Ask
My Own Personal Struggles With Turner's Syndrome
Information About In-Vitro Fertilization
Links to Some Sites About Turner's
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