Essay On Turner Syndrome

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Turner Syndrome
Turner syndrome occurs in approximately one in every 2,000 female births (Overview par. 1). Every one in 2,000 girls born may not seem like a great deal, but adds up to be eventually. No matter how many girls have Turner syndrome, they all face challenges because of the chromosomal disease. The syndrome was first discovered in 1938 when Henry Turner published a book about seven girls who shared unique features. The exceptional features included, “short stature, lack of sexual development, cubitus valgus (arms turning out slightly at the elbow), webbing neck, and a low hairline in the back” (Davenport 3). Not all girls with Turner syndrome face the same exact problems, but a majority of them do. Short stature and non-working ovaries are the characteristics Turner’s guarantees. Turner syndrome is now defined as “a chromosomal condition that alters development in females” (Learning About Turner syndrome par. 1). The condition is not inherited, but is indeed genetic. Although girls with Turner syndrome may be more prone to various health issues, with love, support, and some minor accommodations, they can live their life with positivity and happiness.
Every cell contains forty-six chromosomes (twenty-three pairs). One, out of the twenty-three pairs, is in control of a person’s gender. There two different kinds of chromosomes: X and Y. Males are born with one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. Females, however, are born with two X chromosomes. According to Cindy Dunham and Catherine H. Ward, girls with Turner syndrome are missing part of, or all of the X chromosome (3). The chromosome becomes absent before or shortly after conception (Overview par. 3). Girls diagnosed with Turner syndrome are confirme...

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...rowth hormone treatment is the largest influence of a girl’s ultimate height,

Pahl 10 particularly if the treatment is started at a young age (Ross par. 15). The growth hormone treatment can eventually increase the girl’s final adult height by several inches.
Support, love, and some minor accommodations can help girls with Turner syndrome deal with their various health issues and live their life with joy and positivity. The variety of characteristics in girls with Turner syndrome is astonishing. There are many different treatments and devices there to help all of the girls living with Turner syndrome lead an ordinary life. The families should teach their children about God and how He uses Turner syndrome to affect their life in a positive aspect, not a negative one. Love and support can help a girl to succeed in life because of the belief she finds in herself.

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