In females with Turner syndrome, what is the expected level of inhibin?

In females with Turner syndrome, the expected level of inhibin is low. Turner syndrome is a condition resulting from the complete or partial absence of one of the X chromosomes, leading to various developmental and reproductive issues, including ovarian dysfunction.

Inhibin is a hormone produced primarily by the ovarian follicles, and its main function is to inhibit the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Because women with Turner syndrome often have underdeveloped or nonfunctional ovaries, there is a decreased production of inhibin. The low levels of inhibin reflect the impaired ovarian function, resulting in altered hormonal balance, particularly FSH levels, which may be elevated in response to the lack of inhibin feedback.

Understanding the hormonal profile in Turner syndrome is critical for recognizing the condition's impact on reproductive health and guiding potential interventions. This hormonal imbalance is indicative of the broader endocrine dysfunction seen in Turner syndrome, illustrating the importance of ovarian function in regulating not only fertility but also other aspects of female health.