When you hear the term Acromegaly, a chronic disorder caused by too much growth hormone after the growth plates have closed. It’s also called adult gigantism. The condition builds up slowly, so many people don’t realize something’s off until facial changes, enlarged hands, or joint pain become noticeable. Acromegaly isn’t just a cosmetic issue; uncontrolled hormone levels can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Understanding the root cause helps you spot early signs and decide on the right medical steps.
The main driver is growth hormone, a protein that regulates growth and metabolism. In healthy adults, it’s released in pulses by the pituitary gland. Pituitary adenoma, a usually benign tumor in the pituitary, is the most common source of excess hormone. This tumor creates a direct link: Acromegaly results from excess growth hormone and growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland. When the adenoma grows, it presses on surrounding tissue, sometimes causing visual disturbances as well.
To bring hormone levels back to normal, doctors often turn to somatostatin analogues, medications that mimic the natural hormone somatostatin to suppress growth hormone release. Drugs like octreotide and lanreotide can shrink tumor size and improve symptoms. In cases where medication alone isn’t enough, transsphenoidal surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that removes the pituitary tumor through the nasal passage is often recommended. The surgery aims to remove the source of excess hormone, embodying the relationship that pituitary adenoma often causes the hormone excess and transsphenoidal surgery removes pituitary tumors. Radiation therapy may be added if the tumor can’t be fully resected.
Now that you know the main entities—growth hormone, pituitary adenoma, somatostatin analogues, and transsphenoidal surgery—you’re ready to dig deeper. Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that break down each aspect in plain language: from spotting early signs and getting the right tests, to choosing the best treatment plan and managing long‑term health. Use these resources to build a solid understanding and take confident steps toward better health.
Explore how pituitary tumors cause acromegaly, learn symptoms, diagnosis steps, treatment options, and long‑term management for better health.
