Alternative Names
Bonnevie-Ullrich syndrome; Gonadal dysgenesis; Monosomy X
Definition of Turner syndrome
Turner syndrome is a genetic condition in which a female does not have the usual pair of two X chromosomes.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Humans have 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes contain all of your genes and DNA, the building blocks of the body. Two of these chromosomes, the sex chromosomes, determine if you become a boy or a girl. Females normally have two of the same sex chromosomes, written as XX. Males have an X and a Y chromosome (written as XY).
Symptoms
Possible symptoms in young infants include:
Signs and tests
Turner syndrome can be diagnosed at any stage of life. It may be diagnosed before birth if chromosome analysis is done during prenatal testing.
Treatment
Growth hormone may help a child with Turner syndrome grow taller. Estrogen replacement therapy is often started when the girl is 12 or 13 years old. This helps trigger the growth of breasts, pubic hair, and other sexual characteristics.
Expectations (prognosis)
Those with Turner syndrome can have a normal life when carefully monitored by their doctor.
Review
Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy and Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 10/14/2009
