How can women with Turner syndrome find their path in life despite challenges? How can you advocate for your health needs?
Rosie shares her journey with Turner syndrome and how she has overcome challenges in her life. In addition, she shares an important message for medical professionals.
Navigating External Judgement & Overcoming Childhood Challenges
I was the first-born to Mexican parents. Growing up, I experienced many challenges with verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse.
This all impacted my experience living with Turner syndrome (TS), shaping my self-worth and self-esteem. My mother looked at TS as a weakness, a debilitating condition.
In fact, that is why I was diagnosed. I did not fit into her criteria for my appearance and she took me to the doctor to try to “cure” me. I was 13 years old, and she was embarrassed of a short, stocky, undeveloped little girl.
Throughout my life, I never thought of my short stature as an issue. I never thought I was different because of my height–others did that. I did, at times, not understand why I was not capturing social cues. I did not understand why I caught on later on than others on things. During my adolescence, I had friends, but I consistently felt emotionally and socially behind. I didn’t know where I fit in.
Because of this, I have always worn my heart on my sleeve, wanting unconditional love and acceptance. As I grew up, this sometimes turned into co-dependence, not knowing my personal rights or self-worth.
Finding My Path
I always knew I wanted to be a therapist. I saw my parent’s marriage and thought, “wow, how could you put up with the good, bad and ugly, and still be together?” Empathy was always a great asset in me. So, I ended up majoring in psychology, started volunteering at the age of 18, and began teaching Spanish parenting classes at the age of 20. Psychology has always been in my life.
Even though I wanted to leave for college, when it came down to it, my parents didn’t feel I was emotionally ready, even though they never came out and said it. So, I first went to junior college, and after completing my general education courses, I transferred to a university.
It was quite hard to transition because this was the first time I had experienced freedom. I fell behind in my studies and fell into codependency with my roommates while trying to gain a sense of autonomy.
After that, a job that I never even knew existed fell into my lap. I was a Deputy Probation Officer for 7 years.
Dating Relationships
During that time, I fell into two toxic, co-dependent relationships. One lasted about two years, the other was for 15 years.
In those relationships, I was taken advantage of, my weaknesses preyed on. I never received the commitment and unconditional love in return that I was giving. I just always wanted a partner, somewhere to call home, someone to accept and love me unconditionally for who I am.
Even though I help people every day, and they thank me immensely, I still feel alone in this journey. I have fear that no one will accept me with my TS, that I will always be alone, and feel cheated that I never had children or a husband.
Living with Turner Syndrome
At the age of 35, I went back to school for my masters and then received my LMFT. I am now an LMFT, work for the County, and have my own private practice.
Now in my 40’s, I am managing my health as numerous issues have come up. I regularly visit 8 providers and take over 10 medications.
My message to healthcare professionals would be this: listen, be present, engage when seeing a Turners woman, as there is so much more than meets the eye.
TS is a whole system that does not have straightforward answers at times. We can require a second, even third, look when addressing symptoms. Do not have tunnel vision, and instead see the whole complexity of TS. Also, educate other medical professionals so they can also support their patients with TS.
Written by Rosie Martinez, Designed by Delvis Rodriguez, Data Management.
© Turner Syndrome Foundation, 2025
