Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects only females. The ovaries of girls with Turner syndrome stop working in early childhood. As a result, puberty is delayed and the breasts don't develop. Also, most women with Turner syndrome are not able to become pregnant naturally.
Other physical features of Turner syndrome are:
A short, "webbed" neck with folds of skin from tops of the shoulders to the sides of the neck
A low hairline at the back of the neck
Low-set ears
Hands and feet that are swollen or puffy at birth
Soft nails that turn upward at the ends
Colored spots on the skin
Turner syndrome also can cause these health problems:
Defective heart valves
Narrowing of the main blood vessel that leaves the heart
Turner syndrome has no cure. But treatments can help some of the symptoms. Giving growth hormone in early childhood can cause a girl with Turner syndrome to grow a few inches more than she would otherwise. Also, hormone therapy during the time of puberty can start breast development and a monthly period. Assisted reproductive technology can help a woman with Turner syndrome become pregnant.
Clinical Features of Turner Syndrome - This publication offers information on what Turner syndrome is and how it affects the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and thyroid. It also provides information on the risks of developing osteoporosis and diabetes as well as the effects it has on cognitive functions.
http://turners.nichd.nih.gov/clinical.html
Turner Syndrome - this web page provides information for those diagnosed with Turner syndrome and their families, including the definition, causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.
A federal government website managed by the
Office on Women's Health
in the
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health
at the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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