Basically turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition.
This results when an X chromosome among the two sex chromosomes is missing or incomplete.
This condition only affects females and it happens only 1 in every 2,500 live female births, but this is more common among pregnancies that won’t survive to term.
The main cause behind turner syndrome:
The absence of one X chromosome among the two in a woman results in the condition of turner syndrome.
But, there is no known cause for the whole or partial deficiency of one of the two X chromosomes and this situation appears to happen randomly.
Diagnosing turner syndrome:
The diagnosis of turner syndrome is done by using a blood test called as karyotype. This test helps in analyzing the chromosomal composition of the individual woman and finds whether there is any absence of any X chromosome.
Characteristics of a woman with turner syndrome:
A woman who is suffering with turner syndrome may experience any of the following characteristics:
- Webbed neck – Extra folds of the neck extending from the tops of shoulders to the sides of the neck
- Sagging of your eyelids
- Larger number of moles on your skin than usual
- Slight turning out of the arms at the elbow
- Low hairline at back of the head
- Abnormal bone development
- Unusual ear shapes that lies lower on the sides of the head than normal
- Short height
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Vaginal dryness which can cause pain during intercourse
- Infertility
- Broad or flat chest
Health risks associated with turner syndrome:
Women with turner syndrome are more susceptible to:
- Thyroid problems
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Fertility problems
But, receiving the proper medical care helps to lead a full and productive life.
Can Turner syndrome inherits or not?
In most of the cases this condition is not inherited. But, this condition occurs as random events in the development of more reproductive cells. Any error in cell division called as nondisjunction can lead to the formation of reproductive cells with an unusual amount of chromosomes. If any of these unusual reproductive cells contributes to the genetic make up of your child then there is a chance to grow your child only with one X chromosome.
Treatment options for turner syndrome:
Frankly speaking there is no cure for this condition, but there are some treatments that can reduce the severity of the symptoms.
The treatments can help in effective treatment of the two main characteristics of the turner syndrome such as short stature and lack of ovarian development.
Use of growth hormones can help the patients with turner syndrome. These hormones improve the growth velocity and finally improve the adult height. You can take these individually or in combination with androgen.
Hormone replacement therapy is also helpful in the development and maintenance of good tissues and bone structure and also this therapy promotes the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
Also, there are many reproductive technologies that help a woman with turner syndrome to become pregnant.
