TURNER

SYNDROME

By: Joyce Dennis

Turner syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that usually affects development in females caused by the loss of genetic material from one of the sex chromosomes.

Symptoms differ among females but may include shortened stature, infertility, webbed neck, puffiness or swelling of the hands and feet, skeletal abnormalities, heart defects, and kidney problems.

It is caused by the complete or partial absence of an X chromosome. Although it is genetic, it is typically not inherited. There is no cure for Turner syndrome, but there are some treatments for the symptoms, such as growth hormone to help girls reach heights closer to average and to help stimulate sexual development.

Turner syndrome is a disorder caused by the loss of genetic material from one of the sex chromosomes.

As a child grows other signs and symptoms will show themselves. These include short stubby fingers and very small fingernails. The ring fingers are shorter than normal. They can also have eyelids that droop and they will remain very short in stature compared to their peers. These girls will not have menstrual cycles. Their sexual organs will not develop during puberty. They will not develop breasts like other girls. They will have little or no development in their genital organs.

Luteinizing Hormone

LH - is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. In females, an acute rise of LH called the LH surge triggers ovulation and development of the corpus luteum.

Follicle-stimulating hormone

FSH - It is synthesized and secreted by gonadotrophs of the anterior pituitary gland. FSH regulates the development, growth, pubertal maturation, and reproductive processes of the body. FSH and luteinizing stimulating hormone (LH) act synergistically in reproduction.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

is a trophic peptide hormone responsible for the release of (FSH) and (LH) from the anterior pituitary. gland GnRH is synthesized and released from neurons within the hypothalamus.

Human Growth Hormone

hGH – produced by the anterior pituitary with stimulates growth.

Androgens

is produced by the adrenal cortex and stimulated onset of puberty, and the female sex drive.

Estrogen

Is produced by the ovaries it has to do with the menstrual cycle and the secondary sex characteristics.

Inhibin

Is produced by the ovaries and it inhibits FSH release.

hCG

Which is produced by the placenta to stimulare release of estrogen and progesterone.