What is acromegaly?

Acromegaly is a rare disorder that affects adults and is caused by overproduction of growth hormone. Growth hormone (also called human growth hormone, GH or HGH) is naturally released from the pituitary gland in your brain. This hormone controls the normal growth of your body’s tissues, organs and bones, as well as helping control your metabolism.

A similar condition, known as gigantism, can occur in children and can make them grow very tall. Adults with acromegaly don’t grow exceptionally tall, even if they have too much growth hormone. This is because once they have gone through puberty, their long bones aren’t able to grow any longer.

What are the symptoms of acromegaly?

The main signs of acromegaly are:

• changes to facial features, such as a broadening nose, enlarging jaw and more widely spaced teeth
• enlarged lips or tongue
• enlarged hands and feet

A pituitary tumour can also cause a range of other problems, such as:

• carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes numbness or burning in the hands or feet
• high blood sugar levels and diabetes
• high blood pressure and heart disease
• arthritis
• headaches or vision problems
• thick oily skin, with excessive sweating
• sleep apnoea, tiredness or fatigue

What causes acromegaly?

Acromegaly is caused by the pituitary gland in the brain producing too much growth hormone, usually because of a benign tumour in the gland. Pituitary tumours (also known as pituitary adenomas) tend to grow very slowly.

Very rarely, acromegaly can be caused by hormone-producing tumours in other parts of the body, such as the lungs, pancreas or adrenal glands.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have symptoms of acromegaly or symptoms of a pituitary tumour, see your doctor for advice.

If you have been diagnosed with acromegaly, be sure to have regular health checks to help you manage health conditions that may come with the condition. This includes regular check-ups for depression, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis. If you have pain, your doctor can also advise you on how to best manage it. Your doctor can also monitor your blood pressure and heart health, and help you manage any erectile dysfunction, glucose intolerance or diabetes or sleep problems that affect you. They can refer you for a colonoscopy or and dental treatment, which are also essential aspects of care.

How is acromegaly diagnosed?

The changes that happen in acromegaly may develop slowly, so it may take some time to notice them and to get medical advice. Getting an early diagnosis is important, as it can lower your chances of developing problems such as diabetes or heart disease.

Tests used to diagnose acromegaly include:

• blood tests — to measure the level of hormones
• oral glucose tolerance test — to see how growth hormone levels change when blood sugar level is increased
• an MRI or CT scan — to see the pituitary gland
• x-rays of the skull and jaw — to check bone thickness

How is acromegaly treated?

Treatments can reduce the production of growth hormone to a normal level and help control symptoms. The options for treatment are:

• surgery — to remove a pituitary tumour
• radiotherapy — to shrink a pituitary tumour
• medicines — to counter the effects of too much growth hormone

These treatments can be used on their own or in any combination.

Can acromegaly be prevented?

Acromegaly can’t be prevented but it can be managed.

Complications of acromegaly

A pituitary tumour can cause many health problems that need to be managed alongside the acromegaly.

It might not be possible to reverse all changes to the shape and size of your bones caused by the acromegaly, even with treatment. Many people, however, notice their body gradually returns to normal over time.

Resources and support

Contact the Australian Pituitary Foundation for more information about acromegaly and other health problems involving the pituitary gland,

Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.