Acromegaly (too much growth hormone)

Overview

Growth hormone causes bones and soft tissue to enlarge slowly over years.

Rings and shoes may stop fitting, and facial features change.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Growing hands and feet

Less common

• Jaw changes
• Joint pain
• Sleep apnea
• Sweating

Look up a symptom: Headache

When to get medical care

Causes

Pituitary tumor.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Adults 30 to 50: Most often found then

Possible complications

• Diabetes: Too much growth hormone raises blood sugar
• Sleep apnea: From a larger tongue and soft tissue
• Heart failure: The heart can enlarge over time

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• IGF-1 test:
• MRI:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Keep follow-up visits
• Check blood sugar

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an endocrinologist (hormone doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults 30 to 50: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment controls hormone levels.

Surgery cures many.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Is surgery right for me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Acromegaly (too much growth hormone)