BY CHERYL M. LUIS
DO YOU know that there are health problems that only affect women? Here are some of these disorders.
Turner syndrome
This happened if one of the X chromosomes (sex chromosomes) is missing or partially missing. Turner syndrome can cause a variety of medical and developmental problems, including short height, failure of the ovaries to develop, and heart defects.
Most causes of this syndrome are partial or complete loss (monosomy) of the second sex chromosome. Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of all body cells. They carry the genetic characteristics of each individual and they come in pairs. When you only receive one that’s the time you will be suffering from this syndrome.
Women with short neck with a webbed appearance, low hairline at the back of the neck, low-set ears, hands and feet that are swollen or puffy at birth, and soft nails that turn upward are mostly suffering from Turner syndrome. Girls with Turner syndrome grow more slowly than other children.
There is no cure for Turner syndrome but the good news is many of the associated symptoms can be treated. Girls and women with Turner syndrome will need to have their heart, kidneys, and reproductive system checked regularly throughout their lives. However, it’s usually possible to lead a relatively normal and healthy life.
Rett syndrome
It is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops, causing a progressive loss of motor skills and speech.
Almost all cases of Rett syndrome are caused by a mutation (a change in the DNA) in the MECP2 gene, which is found on the X chromosome (one of the sex chromosomes). The MECP2 gene contains instructions for producing a particular protein (MeCP2), which is needed for brain development.
Currently there are no specific treatments or cures for Rett syndrome, which approximately affects 350,000 girls around the world. It’s much rarer in boys, although it can occur.
Girls born with Rett syndrome have one normal and one mutant copy of a gene known as MECP2.
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Cheryl M. Luis is the wife of George N. True II. Like her husband, she advocates health and lifestyle writing and vows to continue “Health Frontiers” as her husband’s legacy./PN
