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Friday, 25 October 2013

A Brief Introduction To Turner Syndrome.

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By Lane Terry


Turner Syndrome is a condition that effects the chromosomes of females and which manifests as impaired ovarian function. Characteristic physical anomalies of Turner Syndrome include a webbed neck, swelling in the extremities, heart anomalies, kidney complications and a shortened malformed skeleton. Many of the anomalies associated with Turner Syndrome can be corrected with surgery and hormone therapy and, while woman with Turner Syndrome are distinctly unique, there is no reason they cannot enjoy a full life.

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.

While there is no denying that women with Turner Syndrome are unique, there is no reason they cannot enjoy as full and as rich a life as any other woman. Many of the physical issues associated with Turner Syndrome can be corrected with surgery. Issues linked to non-functioning ovaries can usually be corrected with 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.

It's important to realize that Turner Syndrome has no impact on IQ, verbal skills or reading comprehension, but some girls might test below average for math ability, memory and finger dexterity. Also, a woman with Turner Syndrome will typically have a fully formed uterus and genitalia.

In a woman without Turner Syndrome the ovaries begin to produce estrogen and progesterone at puberty. This does not happen in young women with Turner. Obvious signs that the ovaries are not functioning properly is the lack of monthly menstruation and the failure of the breasts to develop as the young woman comes of age. Both of these anomalies respond well to estrogen treatment.

Turner Syndrome if most often diagnosed at birth when the physical characteristics are first seen by medical staff. However, there is a blood test for Turner Syndrome and even an unborn child can be tested if needed.

A young woman with Turner Syndrome will face many challenges in her life. Unfortunately, the brunt of these challenges will come early and at a time when she is most emotionally and psychologically vulnerable. The popular notion of physical beauty will probably be beyond her reach. She will have to make a leap of maturity and foster the more powerful inner beauty of spirit. She may always feel different from her peers, but with loving support, hopefully she will come to accept her differences and see that being different doesn't mean she is less than anyone else.




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