Acromegaly: 5 Critical Facts You Must Know

Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder marked by the excessive production of growth hormone (GH). Understanding its causes, recognizing early symptoms, and seeking prompt medical attention are essential for effective management. With timely intervention, individuals with acromegaly can experience symptom relief and significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.

What is Acromegaly?

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the body produces an excessive amount of growth hormone (GH). This surplus of GH causes abnormal growth of bones and soft tissues throughout the body. In children, it can result in unusually rapid height increase and pronounced bone structure. Acromegaly most commonly affects the arms, legs, and facial features.

Causes of Acromegaly

The most common cause of acromegaly is a benign tumor called a pituitary adenoma. These tumors trigger the pituitary gland to produce excessive amounts of growth hormone (GH), which leads to the development of acromegaly. In rare cases, tumors located in other parts of the body (nonpituitary tumors) can also contribute to increased GH levels.

Acromegaly Symptoms

Symptoms of acromegaly typically develop slowly and can vary from person to person. Common signs include enlarged hands and feet, noticeable changes in facial features such as a protruding jaw or enlarged nose, thickened skin, joint pain with reduced mobility, excessive sweating and body odor, persistent fatigue, headaches, vision disturbances, and, in women, menstrual irregularities.

Diagnosing Acromegaly

Diagnosing acromegaly requires a thorough review of medical history, physical examination, and specialized testing. Blood tests are used to measure growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, as IGF-1 rises with excess GH production. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasounds, may be performed to evaluate bone growth and detect pituitary tumors.

Acromegaly Treatment

The treatment of acromegaly aims to normalize GH production, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications. The primary treatment options include:

• Surgery: The surgical removal of the pituitary tumor causing excess GH production is often the first-line treatment. This procedure can effectively reduce GH levels and improve symptoms. In some cases, additional surgery or radiation therapy may be required.
  
  
• Medication: Medications such as somatostatin analogs, GH receptor antagonists, and dopamine agonists can be prescribed to regulate or block GH production, shrink tumors, and alleviate symptoms. These medications are often used when surgery is not completely successful or before surgery to reduce tumor size.
  
  
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to destroy remaining tumor tissue after surgery or when medications alone are insufficient. It can gradually lower GH levels, but the full effects may take several years to be observed. Radiation therapy carries certain risks and potential complications.

Potantial Risks of Acromegaly

If acromegaly is not properly managed over time, it can lead to serious health complications. Common issues include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, goiter, sleep apnea, increased risk of certain cancers, vision changes or loss, and spinal cord compression or fractures. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are vital to help prevent or reduce these complications.

* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .

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