Female Celebrities with Turner Syndrome - Bonnie Sullivan, Emily Roeske, Kriste Johnston

Understanding Turner Syndrome

Turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition that affects only females. It results when one of the X chromosomes is missing or partially missing. The condition was first described in the 1930s by Dr. Henry Turner. He published a report on 7 females who shared common features such as short stature, webbed neck, low-set ears and lack of sexual development at puberty.

Since then, much has been learned about Turner syndrome. It is estimated to affect about 1 in every 2000 to 2500 female births worldwide. The chromosomal abnormalities that cause Turner syndrome are not inherited. In the majority of cases, the condition occurs randomly during cell division early in fetal development.

Symptoms of Turner Syndrome

There are a number of physical features and health concerns that are commonly associated with Turner syndrome:

• Short stature - the average height in females with Turner syndrome is 4'7"
• Lack of sexual development at puberty
• Fertility problems - most women with Turner syndrome are infertile
• Lymphedema - swelling, especially of the hands and feet
• Low hairline at the back of the neck
• Broad chest with widely spaced nipples
• High-arched palate
• Hearing loss or ear infections
• Kidney problems
• Thyroid disease
• Bone abnormalities
• Heart defects

There are also some common neurocognitive difficulties including problems with visual-spatial skills, attention, memory, math skills and social adjustment.

Causes of Turner Syndrome

During normal development, females have two X chromosomes (XX). Males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). In Turner syndrome, there is a missing or incomplete X chromosome:

• Monosomy X - completely missing an X chromosome (45 chromosomes instead of 46)
• Missing part of one arm (q arm or p arm) of the X chromosome
• Ring X chromosome - when the ends of the "broken" arms reunite to form a ring
• Isodicentric X - an abnormal duplication of part of the X chromosome

There are no known environmental or lifestyle factors that contribute to the chromosomal abnormalities that cause Turner syndrome. Egg or sperm cells with missing or structurally abnormal X chromosomes seem to occur randomly.

Diagnosis of Turner Syndrome

Turner syndrome may be diagnosed at birth or prenatally (before birth). Warning signs that prompt testing include:

• Edema (swelling) of the hands and feet in an unborn baby
• A cystic hygroma in the neck area of an unborn baby. This is a fluid-filled sac under the skin.
• Heart abnormalities found during prenatal ultrasound
• Low birth weight and length relative to gestational age
• Broad chest and wide-set nipples in a newborn

Blood tests called a karyotype can reveal abnormal X chromosomes. Karyotyping analyzes the number and appearance of chromosomes in a sample of cells.

Treatment for Turner Syndrome

There is no cure for Turner syndrome. However, treatments and therapies can help minimize symptoms and promote well-being. Some common components of treatment include:

• Growth hormone therapy - injections of growth hormone can help increase height.
• Estrogen replacement - hormones given at puberty to induce female secondary sex characteristics.
• Fertility treatments - hormone therapies and assisted reproductive technologies may be able to help some women achieve pregnancy.
• Educational services - individualized education programs and classroom accommodations.
• Speech therapy - for language delays that are common.
• Physical therapy - for motor coordination difficulties.
• Medical monitoring - for heart, thyroid, kidney, hearing and other problems associated with the condition.

Treatment is tailored to each patient's particular symptoms and needs. Ongoing care from an endocrinologist, gynecologist, cardiologist, audiologist and other specialists is typical. Support groups and psychotherapy can also be helpful for many women and girls with Turner syndrome.

Famous Female Celebrities with Turner Syndrome

While relatively rare, there are a number of famous women who were born with Turner syndrome or who have publicly discussed being affected by it. Here are some of the most well-known female celebrities with this chromosomal condition:

Bonnie Sullivan

Bonnie Sullivan is an actress who has appeared on shows like How I Met Your Mother, Bones, and The Young and the Restless. She is one of the few women with Turner syndrome to achieve two pregnancies naturally. Her daughter Kayla was born in 1998 and her son Dylan was born in 2002.

Sullivan has used her platform to raise awareness about Turner syndrome. She served for several years as a Global Ambassador for the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States.

Emily Roeske

Emily Roeske is best known for her roles as Sophie Tamiko-Rei on the sitcom Titus and Hannah Morgendorffer on Daria. She was born in 1991 and was diagnosed with Turner syndrome as a child when her mother, a pediatrician, recognized the common physical features.

Despite needing growth hormone therapy to reach normal height, Roeske has gone on to have a successful acting career. She has guest starred on ER, Strong Medicine, and Boston Public.

Kriste Johnston

Kriste Johnston is an American actress who is best known for playing the character Sally Solomon on the television series 3rd Rock from the Sun. She has also appeared in shows like Ugly Betty, Bored to Death and Seinfeld.

Johnston has been open about her diagnosis of Turner syndrome as a teenager after she failed to enter puberty. She has said that her experiences with the condition helped shape her interest in acting.

Danielle Moonstar

Danielle Moonstar is a fictional Marvel comics superheroine who first appeared in the New Mutants comic series. Her mutant abilities include projecting psychic images and energies to create illusions.

Though not explicitly referenced when she was first introduced, Danielle Moonstar (also known as Mirage and Psyche) was later confirmed to have Turner syndrome. The reveal provided representation and helped humanize the character.

Courtney Harrell

Courtney Harrell gained public notice as a contestant on Season 11 of NBC's America's Got Talent in 2016. She wowed the judges with her powerful singing voice during the audition round of the competition.

Harrell has been vocal about being born with Turner syndrome and wanting to inspire other girls and women with the condition. She continues to share her music and message as an independent artist.

The Future for Females with Turner Syndrome

Despite the challenges that come with it, Turner syndrome does not have to prevent girls and women from following their passions and living full lives. Early diagnosis and modern treatments allow most females with Turner syndrome to grow up healthy and happy.

With proper care and support, women with Turner syndrome can achieve normal intelligence, get married, pursue careers, and do most activities that other women without the condition can do. Increased awareness and research provide hope for new therapies and opportunities in the future.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.