What is Turner syndrome?
February is Turner Syndrome Awareness Month and this page has useful information on what it is and where to get help, as well as a personal story from one of our YOL! members who has Turner Syndrome and our new campaign #Aturnergirlcan .
What is Turner syndrome?
We asked a YOL! member what is was like when they were diagnosed with Turner Syndrome and what it actually means for them:
"I was diagnosed with Turner syndrome when I was around 10 years old. I went to a doctor because l was really short, especially in comparison to my family. The doctor instructed me that l needed to have blood tests done. A few weeks later, the doctor found out that l had a thyroid issue and shortly after that, I was diagnosed with Turner syndrome.
Finding out was a rather strange feeling. It was kind of surprising, but also somewhat expected.
The first few months, were very confusing for me. I did not understand what type of things l would have to do as a result of having Turner syndrome and how it would impact me in the future, especially being a teen. But l had an excellent doctor and a team of nurses who explained it all. I was booked to attend appointments that were all based further away than where l lived. This became a regular thing, I still go to an Endocrinologist and have blood tests every 6 months, then to an E.N.T (ears, nose and throat) appointment every 6-9 months and further additional appointments because of my coeliac (also common when you have Turner syndrome.)
Having Turner syndrome does not really impact my daily life at the moment, but there are one or two things that do. For example, I have to deal with extremely irregular periods causing me to have leaks. I also have to take regular medication such as growth hormones and oestrogen."
Our YOL! members tips for people with Turner syndrome:
"It is really important for girls to get diagnosed as soon as possible so treatment can begin and they get the best results, so l am really happy and excited to be able to raise awareness of this condition".
Thanks for reading and I hope this helps! - from our YOL! member
We asked a yol member popular questions about what it is like living with turner syndrome as a teen.
How does it affect your everyday life
Having Turner does not affect my everyday life other than I have to take regular medication.each day.
How does it make you feel when you get diagnosed ?
It depends on each person. I was surprised but not too surprised and a bit confused. Normally each reaction tends to be on how much you expect it.
Do you feel that you have the support system you need ?
Yes,I can ask questions to my nurse or I can speak to people who have gone through a similar situation to me.How does growth hormone affect you ?
you can have growth pains and even regular headaches. If you have headaches than you should let your nurse know.
When do I stop/add certain medication ?
Medication is different for everyone but for me, I would have to start growth hormone from young but I started at 10 and finish around 14,I will constantly have to have levothyroxine every day until death and estrogen I got at the age of 11 and I find out. I will need to have progesterone.
How many hospital appointments do you go to in a
year ? ENT( Every 6 months but used to be 9)Endocrinologist (every 6 months ) heart (varies on year and situation but normally 6 months)
What’s the worst thing about having Turner Syndrome ?
The waiting around the hospital and missing school especially as I got older because the curriculum is getting harder and exams are coming.