What is Turner Syndrome?

Turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition that is caused when the secondary sex chromosome (the X chromosome) is missing or partially missing. This condition only affects women. It occurs in about 1 in 2000 live births, and up to 10% of all miscarriages are due to Turner syndrome.

The signs and symptoms of Turner syndrome vary greatly, and women can be diagnosed before birth, at birth, or later in life during the teen years. This condition causes a number of specific physical characteristics, such as short stature and lack of sexual development at puberty. Other characteristics may include a wide neck, low-set ears, a small lower jaw, shorter fingers and toes and more. Women and girls with Turner syndrome have a higher incidence of osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism. This condition may also lead to infertility, heart defects, learning disabilities or difficulty in social situations.

What is the Connection between Celiac Disease and Turner syndrome?

• Studies have found that 4-6% of Turner syndrome patients also have celiac disease
• It has been recommended that women with Turner syndrome should be regularly tested for celiac disease in addition to their other yearly exams

Where Can I Lean More?

• The Turner Syndrome Society
• The Turner Syndrome Foundation
• Mayo Clinic
• National Institutes of Health

Do you or a family member suffer from Turner syndrome? You may have celiac disease. Find out now. Take our Celiac Disease Symptoms Checklist.