Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Why Turner Syndrome?

By Ezequiel Brey


Essentially, Turner syndrome is a physical anomaly. It only affects females. And while Turner syndrome can present a multitude of challenges for a woman, there is no reason she cannot live as rich a life as anyone else. With the help of a donated embryo, it is possible for some women with Turner Syndrome to have children. Classic characteristics of women with Turner Syndrome include a diminished stature and non-functioning ovaries.

Specifically, Turner Syndrome affects the SHOX gene on the X chromosome, although research is expected to eventually identify other genes affected by Turner Syndrome. The SHOX gene is probably the cause of the shorten statue and other bone anomalies of Turner Syndrome women.

While there is no denying that women with Turner Syndrome are unique, there is no reason they cannot enjoy as full and as rich a life as any other woman. Many of the physical issues associated with Turner Syndrome can be corrected with surgery. Issues linked to non-functioning ovaries can usually be corrected with hormone therapy.

Puberty is a vulnerable time for any young woman and all the more so for a young woman with Turner Syndrome. At a time when many young women are preoccupied with their appearance and how they are perceived by young men, a woman with Turner Syndrome must come to terms with her difference. Loving support is critical at this stage.

Until they are about four, girls with Turner syndrome may experience normal growth, but then they will begin to grow more slowly. When they approach the age of puberty, a time when most young women experience an unmistakable growth spurt, a young woman with Turner Syndrome will not grow so dramatically, if at all.

It is usually recommended that a young girl with Turner Syndrome receive growth hormone in early childhood. Growth hormone will help a Turner Syndrome child fully exploit her body's growth potential. Without growth hormone, she will be much shorter. Estrogen replacement therapy is recommended as a young girl with Turner Syndrome approaches puberty. Estrogen will help her develop breasts and contribute to stronger bones. The administration of estrogen and progesterone will stimulate menstruation which is essential for a healthy uterus.

Turner Syndrome if most often diagnosed at birth when the physical characteristics are first seen by medical staff. However, there is a blood test for Turner Syndrome and even an unborn child can be tested if needed.

A young woman with Turner Syndrome will face many challenges in her life. Unfortunately, the brunt of these challenges will come early and at a time when she is most emotionally and psychologically vulnerable. The popular notion of physical beauty will probably be beyond her reach. She will have to make a leap of maturity and foster the more powerful inner beauty of spirit. She may always feel different from her peers, but with loving support, hopefully she will come to accept her differences and see that being different doesn't mean she is less than anyone else.




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