What is The Turner Syndrome?

How did it get its name?

The syndrome is named after Henry Turner, an Oklahoma endocrinologist, who described it in 1938. In Europe, it is often called Ullrich-Turner syndrome or even Bonnevie-Ullrich-Turner syndrome to acknowledge that earlier cases had also been described by European doctors. The first published report of a female with a 45,X karyotype was in 1959 by Dr. Charles Ford and colleagues in Harwell, Oxfordshire andGuy's Hospital in London. It was found in a 14-year-old girl with signs of Turner syndrome. (Reference: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090310220518AAyrXnU)

What effects can The Turner Syndrome make in a person?

A number of other health problems occur more often in girls with Turner syndrome, like:
- kidney problems
- high blood pressure
- heart problems
- 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.

What are the symptoms? 

As it was mentioned in our Home Page, the symptoms are: Swollen feet, spots on the skin which are discolored, webbed neck with extra skin, low posterior hairline, widely set nipples and swollen hands, and dropping of the eyelids etc.

Can we 'treat' The Turner Syndrome?

 Turner syndrome is a condition that is caused by a chromosomal abnormality, there's no specific cure. But, scientists developed some treatments that can help with some of the problems (symptoms) — like growing problems — and researchers are often trying to look for other treatments.
  The Growth hormone treatment can improve growth and influence a girl's final adult height.Actually, the treatment can help many girls with The Turner Syndrome to reach a final height in the average range, especially if treatment is started early enough in childhood.
  Another treatment for Turner syndrome is "the estrogen replacement", which can help the girl develop physical changes of puberty, including breast development and menstrual periods. This treatment is often started when a girl reaches about age 12 or 13.

What can I do to improve myself if I have The Turner Syndrome?

• Join a support group for girls with Turner syndrome. Ask your doctor or parents for more information or for help finding a Turner Syndrome Society chapter in your area.
• Stay active in sports or hobbies that you enjoy.
• Consider doing volunteer work. Helping other people can boost your self-esteem and your confidence, too.
• Consider talking to a professional therapist. A qualified counselor or other mental health professional can help you build your self-esteem and address your concerns about living with Turner syndrome. Discuss this with your parents if you think you might need help.
• Keep a journal or diary in which you can record your thoughts and feelings about the challenges you're dealing with.
• Talk to your parents or school counselor if you are having problems at school.

If one of my friends/family members have the Turner Syndrome, what can I do to help?

If you have a friend/family member who has Turner syndrome, remember to respect her emotional and physical needs. For example, she may not always feel comfortable talking about her condition, so let her share only what she feels OK with. You can also support your friend just by hanging out and doing things you enjoy together and by being a good listener if she turns to you for advice or comfort. Also, if she shares her sad emotions with you, try to cheer her up and encourage her the best you can. Give her all the support! :)
(Reference: http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/sexual_health/turner.html#a_Other_Effects_Turner_Syndrome_Can_Have)

What if I'm a stranger? What can I do to help?

If you're a stranger, you can donate money to all kinds of organizations for The Turner Syndrome.