 Only occurs in females  Effects about 1 in every 2,500 births  Caused when a girl is missing a part of the X sex- chromosome

Seen in young females:  Swollen hands and feet  Wide and webbed neck

Seen in older females:  Absent or incomplete development at puberty, including sparse pubic hair and small breasts  Broad, flat chest shaped like a shield  Drooping eyelids / Dry eyes  Infertility  No periods  Vaginal dryness  Short height

 Kidney problems  High blood pressure  Heart problems  Some become overweight  Hearing difficulties  Diabetes & Thyroid problems

 Some girls with the condition may experience learning difficulties, particularly in math  Many have a difficult time with tasks that require skills such as map reading or visual organization  Because Turner syndrome can affect how a girl looks and develops, some girls may have problems with body image or self-esteem

 Cindy, 38, is expecting her 3 rd child. She already has 2 healthy kids. Due to her age, her doctor recommends that amniocentesis be done at 16 weeks post- conception. The karyotype reveals that the child has Turner’s Syndrome. Cindy and her husband are recommended to a genetic counselor.  Income: $75,000  Insurance: Self-Insured

 Growth hormone injections are done to increase the female’s final adult height.  Estrogen replacement therapy is usually started at the time of normal puberty, around 12 years to start breast development. Estrogen and progesterone are given a little later to begin a monthly 'period,' which is necessary to keep the womb healthy. Estrogen is also given to prevent osteoporosis.

 Girls who have Turner syndrome are more likely to get middle ear infections. Repeated infections may lead to hearing loss and should be evaluated by the pediatrician. An ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) may be involved in caring for this health issue.  Blood pressure should be checked routinely and, if necessary, treated with medication

 Women who have Turner syndrome have a slightly higher risk of having an under active thyroid or developing diabetes. This should also be monitored during routine health maintenance visits and treated if necessary.  Having appropriate medical treatment and support allows a woman with Turner syndrome to lead a normal, healthy and happy life.

 The cost of Turner’s Syndrome would is very expensive considering all of the doctor visits, testing, growth hormones, and counseling.

 There is a local branch for young women with Turner’s.