Acromegaly: What to Watch For and What to Do

Acromegaly is a rare condition where your body makes too much growth hormone as an adult. That hormone overdrive usually comes from a benign pituitary tumor. The changes happen slowly—so people often miss early signs. But catching it sooner makes treatment easier and lowers long-term health risks.

Common signs and why they matter

Look for clear, practical clues: bigger hands or feet (you notice shoe or ring size changes), widening of the jaw or spacing between teeth, thicker fingers, coarse facial features, joint pain, and excessive sweating. Other important warnings are frequent headaches, vision changes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and new or worsening blood sugar problems. If you recognize several of these, tell your doctor—don’t wait for them to bring it up.

These symptoms matter because unchecked excess growth hormone increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, sleep problems, and arthritis. Treating the root cause usually improves many of these issues.

How doctors diagnose acromegaly

Diagnosis is straightforward in tests, even if symptoms are subtle. Blood tests check IGF-1, a stable marker of growth hormone activity. If IGF-1 is high, doctors often do an oral glucose tolerance test—high glucose should lower growth hormone; if it doesn’t, that supports acromegaly. MRI scans of the pituitary find the tumor and guide treatment decisions.

Practical tip: bring old photos to appointments. They help show gradual facial changes that you might not notice day to day.

Treatment choices depend on tumor size, symptoms, and overall health. The first-line option for many people is transsphenoidal surgery to remove the pituitary tumor. If surgery can’t fully remove the tumor or if the tumor comes back, medicines are very effective. Somatostatin analogs (like octreotide or lanreotide) lower growth hormone. Pegvisomant blocks growth hormone action and can normalize IGF-1. Dopamine agonists (cabergoline) work for some patients. Radiation is another option when surgery and meds don’t fully control the disease.

Ongoing care means regular IGF-1 checks, periodic MRI scans, and monitoring for diabetes, heart issues, and sleep apnea. Don’t skip follow-ups—acromegaly often needs long-term management.

If you suspect acromegaly or notice steady changes in your face, hands, or health, make an appointment and ask for an IGF-1 test. Early detection protects your joints, heart, and overall quality of life. For clear, patient-focused info and drug guides, CFSPharmacy.com has easy-to-read resources to help you talk with your doctor and plan next steps.