Does hormone replacement therapy treat Turner syndrome?

Turner syndrome can affect ovarian function, so the body may make too little oestrogen. A clinician may recommend oestrogen and later a progestogen to support puberty, menstrual cycles, bone health and the lining of the womb. Treatment is adjusted to age, symptoms, development and reproductive goals.

Hormone therapy addresses one part of care. Turner syndrome can also involve the heart, kidneys, hearing, thyroid and blood pressure, so regular monitoring may be part of the care plan. Hormone therapy is different from fertility treatment and does not restore the chromosome pattern associated with Turner syndrome.

Arrange an appointment with a gynaecologist or endocrinologist familiar with Turner syndrome. Bring information about periods, hot flushes, headaches, medicines and any history of blood clots or liver disease.

Do not start, stop or change hormones without medical advice. Ask how the treatment will be introduced, whether a progestogen is needed, and which checks are planned for blood pressure, bones and other Turner syndrome health concerns.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, one-sided weakness or a painful swollen leg. Contact your clinician promptly for heavy or unexpected bleeding, severe headaches, new vision changes or troublesome side effects after a hormone change.

Ask which hormone is recommended, how the dose will change over time, how long treatment may continue, and how it relates to fertility planning. You can also ask which heart, thyroid, hearing, kidney and bone checks you need.