Acromegaly: Clear Guide to Signs, Tests, and Treatment

Acromegaly is a rare condition caused by too much growth hormone in adults. It usually comes from a small pituitary tumor that slowly raises growth hormone and IGF-1. Symptoms develop over years, so people often miss the early signs.

Common early clues include bigger hands and feet, rings that won’t fit, and gradual changes in facial features—wider nose, thicker lips, and a heavy brow. Other frequent problems are joint pain, sweaty skin, snoring or sleep apnea, carpal tunnel symptoms, and new-onset high blood pressure or diabetes. Headaches and vision changes can happen if the tumor presses nearby nerves.

How doctors diagnose acromegaly

Your doctor will start with a blood test for IGF-1, a stable marker of growth hormone activity. If IGF-1 is high, the next step is an oral glucose suppression test: growth hormone should fall after drinking glucose; if it doesn't, that supports the diagnosis. Imaging with an MRI of the pituitary finds and measures the tumor. Eye checks and tests for related problems, like blood sugar and blood pressure, complete the workup.

Treatment options that work

Surgery is the most common first step. A neurosurgeon removes the pituitary tumor through the nose (transsphenoidal surgery). Many patients improve quickly after surgery, but some still need more treatment. Long-acting somatostatin analogs (octreotide or lanreotide) reduce hormone secretion and shrink tumors for many people. Pegvisomant blocks growth hormone action and lowers IGF-1, but it doesn’t shrink the tumor. Radiation is another option when surgery and medicines don’t control the disease; modern techniques cut risk but take years to work.

Monitoring is ongoing. Doctors follow IGF-1 levels, periodic MRIs, and check for complications like heart disease, sleep apnea, and joint damage. Treating high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep disorders makes a big difference in long-term health. Physical therapy, dental care, and joint pain management can improve daily life.

When should you see a doctor? If you notice steady changes—bigger shoes, new ring tightness, worsening headaches, or increasing snoring—get evaluated. Mention family history of pituitary disease, though most cases are sporadic. Early diagnosis and proper treatment lower risks and improve outcomes.

Living with acromegaly means regular follow-up and a team approach: endocrinologist, neurosurgeon, radiologist, and often a sleep or heart specialist. Treatments today work well for many people, especially when doctors catch the condition early. If you suspect acromegaly, start with a primary care visit and ask for IGF-1 testing.

Practical tips: keep a record of symptoms and photos over months to show your doctor how features changed. Get a sleep study if you snore loudly or feel tired; untreated sleep apnea raises heart risk. Ask about fertility and hormone checks—acromegaly can affect libido and menstrual cycles. If you take medication, learn side effects and check liver tests with pegvisomant. Join a support group or online forum to swap tips—people share real advice about surgery recovery, managing joint pain, and finding experienced specialists. Early action makes a big difference. Talk to your doctor without delay.