Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. It typically develops in adults and can lead to serious health complications if untreated.

Symptoms

• Enlarged hands and feet
• Changes in facial features (e.g., enlarged jaw or nose)
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Thickened skin
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Headaches and vision problems

Causes

• Most cases are caused by a benign tumor (adenoma) on the pituitary gland.
• Rarely, it may result from tumors in other parts of the body producing growth hormone.

Diagnosis

To diagnose acromegaly, your doctor may:

• Perform a physical examination to check for characteristic symptoms.
• Order blood tests to measure growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels.
• Conduct imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to detect pituitary tumors.

Treatment

Surgery

• The most common treatment is surgical removal of the pituitary tumor.
• Surgery is often effective in reducing growth hormone levels.

Medication

• Medications like somatostatin analogs, dopamine agonists, or growth hormone receptor antagonists can help control hormone levels.

Radiation Therapy

• Used when surgery and medication are not fully effective.
• Helps reduce tumor size and hormone production over time.

Complications

If left untreated, acromegaly can lead to:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Arthritis
• Vision loss

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Enlarged hands, feet, or facial features
• Persistent joint pain or stiffness
• Headaches or vision problems

Where to Get Help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Endocrinologist
• Specialist pituitary clinics

If you would like this information in an accessible format, please email: betterhealthchannel@dhhs.vic.gov.au