What Is Turner Syndrome?

Turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition that affects development in females due to the deletion of one X chromosome. The most common feature of Turner syndrome is short stature, which becomes evident by about age 5, though it can be detected in utero via blood test or ultrasound. Early loss of ovarian function is also very common, which means most TS girls need help beginning puberty. While technically the deletion of a chromosome should result in incompatibility with life, TS girls who survive pregnancy often go on to do very well! Many have gone on to become doctors, nurses, teachers, singers, actresses… anything!

EVERY human will face challenges, medical or otherwise, though most of us don’t have the convenience of knowing how to treat our issues from birth. Turner Syndrome girls have the advantage of knowing what their health challenges may be, whereas the rest of humankind has to fend for itself. Can you imagine how nice it would be to know how to fix a health concern as soon as it popped up?

While there is no “cure” for Turner Syndrome, the conditions that can (but don’t always) come with it are relatively treatable. Each girl is unique in her abilities and challenges, just like each one of us. One thing these girls do especially well, however, is persevere. Turner’s girls are overcomers; they take life by the horns live it to the fullest!

For more information on Turner Syndrome, visit the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States here: https://www.turnersyndrome.org