Can Turner syndrome lead to complications throughout life but still allow for a relatively healthy life with treatment?
Turner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that only affects girls. It can cause a variety of issues, from short stature to heart defects. Symptoms can be mild and sometimes go undiagnosed until adolescence or adulthood. Turner syndrome occurs when a girl is missing part or all of an X chromosome. This can happen in different ways, such as monosomy, mosaicism, or X chromosome abnormalities. Around 70,000 females in the U.S. have Turner syndrome. Many affected pregnancies result in miscarriage, but about 1% of these babies are born with the condition. Signs can appear before birth through ultrasound or DNA testing. At birth, symptoms like swollen hands and feet or short height may be noticeable. Throughout life, Turner syndrome can be associated with other health conditions like heart and kidney problems. Women with Turner syndrome often have difficulty conceiving and may face complications during pregnancy. Diagnosis involves various tests, and treatment requires a team of specialists. While there is no cure, therapies during childhood and teenage years can help manage symptoms. Fertility treatments are often needed for pregnancy, and health risks should be discussed with a doctor.