Treatment for Turner Syndrome
Turner syndrome is a genetic condition that affects females. It occurs when a person is born with a missing or partially missing X chromosome.
Turner syndrome can significantly affect a young person’s development. As a result, people with the condition might have problems with vision, cardiac or bone development. Children and teens with Turner syndrome may be shorter than average or stop menstrual periods earlier than expected.
Expert Turner Syndrome Treatment
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we run a dedicated Turner Syndrome Clinic. Our specialists provide a range of expert treatments for babies, children and young adults with Turner syndrome.
Treatment for Turner syndrome may include:
Growth hormone
Growth hormone can help children with Turner syndrome grow taller. They can also help increase healthy bone development. Growth hormone is usually taken at home as a daily injection.
Typically, growth hormone treatment for Turner syndrome can start in early childhood. Treatment usually continues throughout the teenage years.
Estrogen therapy
Many young people with Turner syndrome need estrogen therapy to start puberty. Your child’s doctor may recommend starting estrogen around age 11 or 12. Usually, people with Turner syndrome who opt for estrogen therapy continue taking it until around the age of menopause.
Estrogen therapy can promote breast and uterus development. Your child’s specialist may recommend estrogen therapy along with growth hormone treatment.
Screenings for Thyroid Function
About 10% to 30% of children with Turner syndrome develop thyroid problems. The thyroid is a small gland that controls hormone production. Females with Turner syndrome commonly develop Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid.
People with Hashimoto’s disease might produce too little thyroid hormone. They might experience fatigue, weight gain or forgetfulness. We regularly screen for thyroid problems in children with Turner syndrome.
Diabetes Prevention and Treatment
Young people with Turner syndrome may be more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects how your child processes sugar.
Our specialists closely monitor your child’s weight and work with a nutritionist to prevent diabetes.
Turner Syndrome Heart Treatment
Children with Turner syndrome often have heart problems. About half of all babies with Turner syndrome are born with a heart defect. And the other half have a higher risk of developing heart problems later in life.
We partner with CHLA experts in the Heart Institute to care for children with heart problems due to Turner syndrome. Find out more about heart treatments for Turner syndrome.
Full-Spectrum Care for Turner Syndrome
Our specialists diagnose and treat babies, children and young adults with Turner syndrome. We are one of just a few hospitals in the Western United States with a comprehensive, dedicated Turner syndrome clinic.
Having this clinic means we can offer your child personalized, targeted care with a multidisciplinary approach. Learn more about the Turner Syndrome Clinic.