Acromegaly: What It Is, How to Spot It, and What to Do
Acromegaly happens when the pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone after you’ve stopped growing. Most often a small benign tumor is the culprit. The extra hormone makes bone and tissue keep growing, but only in places that can still change, like the hands, feet, and face.
Typical signs show up slowly, so many people think they’re just getting older. Look for enlarged hands or shoes that no longer fit, a deeper voice, thickened skin, or a jaw that seems to jut out more. Headaches, joint pain, and sweating are also common. If you notice any of these changes together, it’s worth getting checked out.
Diagnosing Acromegaly
Doctors start with a simple blood test to measure insulin‑like growth factor‑1 (IGF‑1). High IGF‑1 usually means excess growth hormone. To confirm, they do a glucose‑suppression test—if your hormone levels stay high after a sugary drink, acromegaly is likely.
Imaging comes next. An MRI of the brain shows the pituitary tumor’s size and exact location. Knowing the tumor’s shape helps the surgeon plan the safest removal route. Sometimes a CT scan is used if MRI isn’t possible.
Living with Acromegaly: Treatment and Daily Tips
Surgery is the first‑line choice for most patients. Removing the tumor can bring hormone levels back to normal and halt further growth. If surgery can’t clear the tumor completely, medication steps in. Drugs like octreotide or lanreotide block growth hormone release, while pegvisomant blocks the hormone’s effect on the body.
Radiation therapy is another option when surgery and meds don’t fully control the disease. It works slowly, often taking months to lower hormone levels, so doctors usually combine it with medication.
Beyond medical care, a few lifestyle tweaks help. Keep a regular exercise routine to protect joints, maintain a balanced diet low in processed sugars, and monitor blood pressure and glucose—acromegaly can raise the risk of diabetes and heart problems. Regular follow‑up appointments are key; even after treatment, hormone levels need checking to catch any rebound early.
Feeling overwhelmed? Talk to an endocrinologist who specializes in pituitary disorders. They can explain the treatment plan in plain language and connect you with support groups where you can share experiences and get practical advice.
Acromegaly may be rare, but recognizing the signs early makes a big difference. If you see any of the symptoms above, schedule a visit with your doctor. For more detailed articles on related health topics, browse the posts on our site—you might find useful tips on medication safety, hormone effects, and managing chronic conditions.
