What is Turner syndrome, and what do I need to know about testing and treatment?

Turner syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in females who have only one X chromosome, instead of the usual two. Typical features include short stature (height); webbed neck; underdeveloped breasts; abnormalities of the eyes and bones; and not getting your period (no menstruation).

To learn more about genetics and to better understand how genes cause syndromes, see Your Child: Genetic Syndromes.

If your daughter has the physical features of Turner syndrome, then she should be tested to find out for sure whether she has it. A blood test can be done to check for the absence of an X chromosome. Sometimes she may need to have an ultrasound to check her uterus and ovaries. Sometimes, Turner syndrome is inherited from a parent, so genetic counseling is recommended for families with a daughter who has the condition.

There is no cure for Turner syndrome but there are lots of treatments to help your daughter in many ways. Growth hormone is sometimes given to increase the height of a girl with Turner syndrome. Sex hormones can also be given starting at about 13 years of age to promote the development of secondary sexual characteristics (pubic hair and breasts), however all girls with Turner syndrome will still be infertile even after hormone therapy. For more information on health care for girls with Turner, the American Academy of Pediatrics has a policy statement on health supervision of these girls. This may be helpful to share with your pediatrician.

Where can I find out more and get support?

• Your Child: Genetic Syndromes
• Your Child: Chronic Conditions
• Your Child: Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• Turner Syndrome information for parents
• Turner Syndrome information for teens
• Turner Syndrome Clinical Studies at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHHD)
• Get the Facts:  Growth Hormone Issues in Children and Adults, a brochure from the Hormone Foundation, includes information specific to Turner syndrome.
• The Turner Syndrome Society of the United States works to support people affected by Turner syndrome, further research, provide forums for exchange of support and information, and increase public awareness of the condition. They have local chapters.
• The MAGIC Foundation provides support services for the families of children with a wide variety of chronic and/or critical disorders, syndromes and diseases that affect a child's growth, including Turner syndrome.
• Teens with Turner: What do they Want?

Compiled by Kyla Boyse, R. N.  Reviewed by faculty and staff at the University of Michigan

Updated October 2006

U-M Health System Related Sites:
U-M Pediatrics
C.S. Mott Children's Hospital

Our editorial policy
The information and links we provide are reviewed by University of Michigan developmental and behavioral pediatricians and child psychologists who are experts in child behavioral health. In choosing the links we provide, we use strict criteria to ensure that the information is accurate, and the source is reputable. As much as possible, we focus on information that is based on research. In areas where there is inadequate research, we include information compatible with prevailing expert opinion.

This website is updated regularly, but because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, we cannot be responsible for misinformation that may be accessed through the links provided. As always, this website is not a tool for self-diagnosis, and is not a substitute for professional care.

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