Turner Syndrome

Turner Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that involves a lack of hormones in cells. The disorder only affects females. Girls with this syndrome can have learning difficulties, but most of them have normal intelligence.

  Females with Turner Syndrome are shorter than average. Also, they have non-functioning ovaries and can't have children. Ovaries of healthy girls produce sex hormones at puberty. But girls with the syndrome don't start their periods and can't develop breasts without a hormone treatment.

  Even though girls with the syndrome can't reproduce, their vagina is normal. In childhood, girls with the disorder have frequent ear infections and often experience hearing loss. Most of the girls with Turner Syndrome are of normal intelligence with proper reading and writing skills. However, some girls have problems with memory skills and mathematics.

  The main treatment is estrogen replacement therapy that is started around 12 years of age to ensure proper breast development. Girls also take progesterone and estrogen to begin monthly periods to keep the womb function properly.