Turner Syndrome is Not a Limitation; It Makes Us Unique - by Maria do Carmo Falchi

Hello TS community! My name is Maria do Carmo. I’m from Brazil and I am turning 32 this February. For me, Turner syndrome (TS) is more than a diagnosis because it has shaped the way I interact with the world; the bullying I suffered in elementary and middle school, the treatment, the challenges, and my achievements.

My path was not easy. I was diagnosed when I was 5 years old and was on growth hormone until I was 15. Dealing with being short is difficult for me ( I am 4'9 "or 145 cm ). It has caused me to have low self-esteem my whole life. Sometimes I look in the mirror and I don't like what I see. Other times I like some clothes, but they don’t look nice on my body. Building self-confidence is a daily task - an effort that my friends and fiancé help me with.

In fact, 2026 is my wedding year! I am a bride to be, and my fiancé has supported, helped, and accepted me since day one. For me, this is so important because when I was in high school, a biology teacher said that no man would want to marry someone with the type of body women with TS have. So, I’ve had to overcome all this pressure to have a standard body.

I want to say to all girls and women with Turner syndrome that we can be whatever we want. I am pursuing my second college degree right now and I also have a PhD. Here in Brazil, I try to spread information about Turner syndrome. I have an Instagram profile where I share information in Portuguese about living with TS. For me, TS is not a limitation, it’s what makes us unique,. It’s the foundation of our Turner syndrome community.