Get Diagnosed

Who should be tested?
What is the testing method for diagnosis?
Where can we turn to for help?
Endocrinologist
Genetic Counseling
Find a provider
Contact Us

Who should be tested?

As soon as indications are noticed a female should be screened for Turner Syndrome. Only some infants will have obvious characteristics at birth (lymphedema, webbed neck, heart anomalies, etc.), and for many these characteristics may become evident as she grows or fails to grow, or if other implications develop. It is recommended by the American Medical Association that girls below the 5th percentile in height be screened, especially when combined with some of the physical features listed in the common indications check list.

Babies are not routinely screened for Turner Syndrome at birth, and many infants do not have identifying characteristics; therefore, more than 50% of babies with TS are identified later in life.

back to top

What is the testing method for diagnosis?

During pregnancy, Turner syndrome may be diagnosed by amniocentisis or even a sonogram requiring further evaluation. Sometimes, fetuses with Turner Syndrome are identified by abnormal ultrasound findings (i.e. heart defect, kidney abnormality, cystic hygroma, ascites). After birth she can have a simple blood test called a karyotype, which is the gold standard for testing. This test requires a blood draw and usually will require a two week waiting period for results. This test will check for the absence of all or part of one X chromosome.

When should she be tested?

Screening for Turner Syndrome should not be delayed, as there are other important health screenings of organ and lipid function, and interventions that could benefit a young child that would not have the same effect in an older child. If a child exhibits common traits indicated, she should be screened without delay to rule out this potential syndrome.

back to top

Where can we turn to for help?

The best source of information is a pediatric endocrinologist who specializes in the care of patients with Turner Syndrome. Do your own investigative research and read everything you can. Print a copy of the NIH Clinical Guidelines, join parent groups and attend workshops whenever possible. Information for an infant is quite different and will evolve over different stages of life. It will be important to be vigilant about ongoing education, support services and care.

back to top

Endocrinologist

Your primary care doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist when there is suspicion or a known problem with your endocrine system. Endocrinologists are trained to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems by helping to restore the normal balance of hormones in your system. They take care of many conditions including:

Diabetes
Thyroid diseases
Metabolic disorders
Over or under production of hormones
Pubertal development and menopause
Osteoporosis
Hypertension
Lipid disorders, ie. cholesterol
Infertility
Short Stature

Endocrinologists also conduct basic research to learn the way glands work, and clinical research to learn the best methods to treat patients with a hormone imbalance. 

back to top

Genetic testing may be performed prenatally or sometime after birth. Ideally, a person who undergoes a genetic test will discuss the meaning of the test and its results with a genetic counselor.

Find a provider

back to top