Intersexuality - The Intersexual Spectrum

Causes of Intersexuality - Chromosomes

Females: Turner Syndrome

Treatment and Support

Treatment
Turner syndrome is diagnosed by means of a blood test (i.e. a chromosomal analysis called “karyotyping”). Today, the dagnosis is sometimes made before birth as a result of prenatal tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). However, in most cases the condition is discovered later, either at birth or when the girl goes to school or reaches puberty. Still other cases are diagnosed in adulthood, for example when a doctor looks for the cause of a woman’s infertility. While the condition cannot be “cured”, much can be done about some of its symptoms. For example, administering growth hormone can help the body to grow to a greater height, estrogen replacement can help in developing the secondary sexual characteristics. Indeed, recent advances in reproductive technology have even made it possible for women with Turner syndrome to become mothers.

Support Groups
In the past, persons with Turner syndrome and their families often felt isolated and found it difficult to learn more about the condition. However, in recent years, a number of support groups have organized. They will gladly supply additional information as well as links to other related sites. For example these groups (click on logos):

Turner Syndrome Society of the United States    Turner Syndrome Support Society