#excesshormone

Overview

Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder that results from excessive production of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland. This condition usually develops slowly over several years and is often not diagnosed until later stages. In most cases, acromegaly is caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, called pituitary adenoma, that produces too much GH. Rarely, acromegaly can also be caused by tumors in other parts of the body that produce GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) or by non-tumor-related causes. The excess GH in acromegaly leads to an overgrowth of bones and tissues in the body, especially in the hands, feet, face, and internal organs. This results in a range of symptoms that can include: - Enlarged hands and feet - Coarse facial features - Increased sweating - Fatigue - Headaches - Joint pain - Carpal tunnel syndrome - Sleep apnea - Vision problems - Hypertension - Diabetes mellitus Acromegaly can also increase the risk of certain health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and colon polyps. Treatment options for acromegaly include surgery to remove the pituitary tumor, medications to reduce GH production or block its effects, and radiation therapy. Treatment can improve symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of long-term health problems. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are important for managing this condition.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acromegaly can vary widely from person to person and can develop slowly over several years. Some of the common signs and symptoms of acromegaly include: - Enlarged hands and feet: The bones in the hands and feet grow larger, and the fingers and toes become thicker and wider. - Coarse facial features: The bones in the face, especially the jaw and forehead, become more prominent, and the nose and lips may also increase in size. - Increased sweating: People with acromegaly often experience excessive sweating, particularly at night. - Fatigue: People with acromegaly may feel tired or lack energy, even after a good night's sleep. - Headaches: Chronic headaches are a common symptom of acromegaly, and they can be severe. - Joint pain: The growth of bones and tissues can cause joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hips, knees, and shoulders. - Carpal tunnel syndrome: The growth of tissues in the wrist can compress the median nerve, causing carpal tunnel syndrome. - Sleep apnea: Enlargement of the soft tissues in the throat can cause sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops briefly during sleep. - Vision problems: The enlarged pituitary gland can press against the optic nerves, causing vision problems or even vision loss. - Hypertension: Excessive growth hormone can cause high blood pressure. - Diabetes mellitus: The excess growth hormone can also cause insulin resistance, leading to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of diabetes mellitus. It's important to note that not all people with acromegaly experience all of these symptoms. Some people may have mild or no symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor for an evaluation.

When to see a doctor

If you have any symptoms of acromegaly, it's important to see a doctor for an evaluation. Some of the common symptoms include enlarged hands and feet, coarse facial features, excessive sweating, fatigue, chronic headaches, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, sleep apnea, vision problems, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. In addition, if you have a family history of acromegaly or have a condition that increases your risk of developing this disorder, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or Carney complex, you should talk to your doctor about screening for acromegaly. Early diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly can prevent or minimize the development of complications associated with this disorder, such as heart disease, stroke, and colon polyps. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have acromegaly, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can order blood tests to check for elevated levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which are markers of acromegaly. Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also be ordered to visualize any pituitary tumors. Treatment options for acromegaly are available and can help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Causes

Acromegaly is caused by the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland, which is a small gland located at the base of the brain. The excess GH is usually caused by a benign tumor, called a pituitary adenoma, that grows on the pituitary gland and produces too much GH. In rare cases, acromegaly can also be caused by tumors in other parts of the body that produce GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce GH. These tumors are usually found in the pancreas, lungs, or adrenal glands. Other less common causes of acromegaly include: - Familial acromegaly: In rare cases, acromegaly can be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that a person only needs to inherit one copy of the abnormal gene from one parent to develop the disorder. - Non-tumor-related causes: In very rare cases, acromegaly can be caused by certain medical conditions, such as McCune-Albright syndrome, which is a rare genetic disorder that causes abnormal bone growth and hormonal imbalances. Acromegaly usually develops slowly over several years, and the symptoms may not be noticeable for a long time. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications associated with this disorder. If you suspect that you may have acromegaly or have a family history of the disorder, it's important to talk to your doctor about screening and testing for this condition.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors associated with the development of acromegaly, including: - Age: Acromegaly can occur at any age, but it is more common in middle-aged adults. - Gender: Acromegaly affects both men and women equally. - Family history: People with a family history of acromegaly or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or Carney complex have an increased risk of developing the disorder. - Medical history: People who have had radiation therapy to the head or neck or have a history of pituitary tumors are at an increased risk of developing acromegaly. - Genetics: Some genetic mutations have been associated with an increased risk of developing pituitary tumors, which can lead to acromegaly. - Insulin resistance: People with insulin resistance, which can occur in conditions such as obesity or type 2 diabetes, may be at an increased risk of developing acromegaly. It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will develop acromegaly. However, if you have one or more of these risk factors, it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of acromegaly and to talk to your doctor about screening and testing for the disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications associated with this disorder.

Complications