Turner syndrome
Turner syndrome is a chromosomal defect in girls. It results in growth retardation and infertility, as well as other potential medical, psychological, and cosmetic issues.
Growth hormone therapy, either alone or in conjunction with sex hormone replacement therapy (i.e., oestrogen) can significantly improve final adult height.
The key to success in growth hormone therapy among girls with Turner syndrome is starting treatment early. If growth hormone therapy is initiated before 8 years of age, treatment with low-dose oestrogen can be added in order to bring about the beginning of puberty (known as pubertal induction) at around age 12 – the same age at which puberty starts in normal girls.
Approximately 90% of girls with Turner syndrome will obtain a normal adult height if growth hormone therapy is begun early and if low-dose oestrogen is used for pubertal induction.
