The uterine length in women with Turner syndrome reflects the postmenarcheal daily estrogen dose

Aim: To evaluate the effects of estrogen substitution on the uterine development in patients with Turner syndrome. Method: 57 women, aged 18.1-41.5 years, were treated with estrogen from puberty induction. Results: In 21 women (37%), the uterus developed to >65 mm in length. The daily estrogen dose correlated with both uterine length (r = 0.29; p < 0.05) and Tanner breast stage (r = 0.44; p < 0.001). A negative correlation between age at artificial menarche and uterine length was found (r = -0.29; p < 0.05). The endometrium thickness was greater in women with an uterus length >65 mm (p < 0.05). In 50% of the women (18 were evaluated), an adult-shaped uterus developed. Previous growth hormone therapy (n = 32) had no impact on the uterus length. Conclusions: The uterine development was suboptimal in most patients. Further investigation is needed to optimize estrogen therapy for uterine development in patients with Turner syndrome. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.