Turner syndrome—Adulthood: Reproductive health care and options

Abstract

Health care professionals caring for adult women with Turner syndrome will be challenged in the future to provide and discuss new options in reproductive health care. The rapid evolution of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies have created the possibility of pregnancy in women with ovarian failure including those with Turner syndrome. Further developments in IVF, and cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos will enhance the availability of this technology while posing new medical and ethical questions. In the past, reproductive health care in women with Turner syndrome centered primarily on estrogen replacement therapy. The importance of this treatment has been further highlighted by studies demonstrating the benefits of hormone replacement. A variety of special concerns exist regarding health maintenance in this population. Screening should carefully identify all somatic anomalies and include periodic evaluations for autoimmune disease, hypertension, skin changes, and altered renal or cardiac function. Despite the many advances in reproductive health care, it will remain important for health care professionals who treat women with Turner syndrome to provide comprehensive and compassionate care and to provide realistic expectations regarding new reproductive options.