Diseases
acromegaly
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Acromegaly is a rare condition where the body produces too much growth hormone, causing body tissues and bones to grow more quickly. Over time, this leads to abnormally large hands and feet, and a wide range of other symptoms. Acromegaly is usually diagnosed in adults aged 30 to 50, but it can affect people of any age.
Symptoms
- enlarged hands and feet
- enlarged facial features, including the facial bones, lips, nose and tongue
- coarse, oily, thickened skin
- excessive sweating and body odor
- fatigue and joint or muscle weakness
Causes
- acromegaly occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone (gh) over a long period of time.
Risk factors
- most acromegaly cases are caused by a noncancerous (benign) tumor
Diagnosis
- igf-1 measurement.
- imaging.
- growth hormone suppression test.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is acromegaly?
Acromegaly is a rare condition where the body produces too much growth hormone, causing body tissues and bones to grow more quickly. Over time, this leads to abnormally large hands and feet, and a wide range of other symptoms. Acromegaly is usually diagnosed in adults aged 30 to 50, but it can affect people of any age.
What are the symptoms of acromegaly?
enlarged hands and feet, enlarged facial features, including the facial bones, lips, nose and tongue, coarse, oily, thickened skin, excessive sweating and body odor, fatigue and joint or muscle weakness
What causes acromegaly?
acromegaly occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone (gh) over a long period of time.
Which medicines are used for acromegaly?
bromocriptine, octreotide
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.