When the pituitary, an endocrine gland, produces excess growth hormone, a condition known as acromegaly develops. Although symptoms can emerge at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged individuals. The most common cause of acromegaly in most individuals is the presence of pituitary tumours. What are the symptoms of acromegaly? Well, there are several signs and symptoms. The most common symptom is the overgrowth of facial bones, hands, and feet. The following discussion concerns this rare condition’s causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Causes of acromegaly
Acromegaly develops when the pituitary gland releases excessive growth hormone (GH) over a long period.
The pituitary is a tiny gland located in the brain’s hypothalamus, behind the nose bridge. It is responsible for the production of growth hormones (GH) and a variety of other hormones. The GH aids in the control of your physical development.
The GH released by the pituitary gland causes the liver to generate an insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I). IGF-1 is responsible for the growth of the tissues and bones in your body. Excessive release of GH causes too much secretion of the IGF-1, leading to complications associated with acromegaly.
What is the most common cause of acromegaly? The answer is pituitary gland tumours.
Usually, the presence of a tumour in the pituitary gland is the reason for the overproduction of the growth hormone. A benign tumour located in the pituitary gland overproduces growth hormone in about 98 per cent of instances with acromegaly. This tumour is called adenoma in medical terms.
Tumours in the pituitary gland:
Often, tumours present in the pituitary gland are the most common cause of acromegaly. Many of the clinical symptoms of acromegaly are caused by the tumour producing too much growth hormone. The tumour pressing on surrounding brain structures causes acromegaly complications, such as blurred vision and headache. Furthermore, compression of the normal pituitary tissue can affect the release of other hormones, causing alterations in menstruation cycles and breast discharge among women and erectile dysfunction in men due to decreased testosterone production.
There is a significant correlation between the pace of GH secretion and the tumour’s severity. Some adenomas grow slowly, and the clinical signs of GH excess can go unnoticed for years. Other adenomas spread quickly, invading nearby brain areas or the sinus close to the pituitary. Younger persons have more severe tumours in general.
Tumours in other parts of the body:
In some cases, acromegaly is induced by tumours in other body parts, like the adrenal glands, pancreas, and lungs. These tumours can release GH occasionally. In some situations, tumours secrete a hormone called growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to create more growth hormones.
The pituitary gland may be swollen and misinterpreted as a tumour in persons with GHRH-producing non-pituitary malignancies. As a result, physicians must carefully examine all “pituitary tumours” removed from patients with acromegaly. Such examinations help determine the probability that the disease is caused by a tumour elsewhere in the body.
Symptoms of acromegaly
What are the symptoms of acromegaly? The most prevalent indications and symptoms in patients with acromegaly are listed below. These characteristics may differ from one individual to the other. Some people may experience more signs than others. These signs can range from moderate to severe.
Among the signs and symptoms are:
- Overgrowth of bone in the hands and face
- Enlargement of ear, lips, nose
- Headache
- Visual disturbances
- Skin thickening
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Joint discomfort
- Fractures of the spine
- Blood pressure that is too high
- Enlargement of the tongue
- Trouble regulating blood sugar,
- Reduced sleep.
Health disorders associated with acromegaly
Several health complications may arise due to the overproduction of growth hormones in your body.
Some of them are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Diabetes mellitus
- Cardiomyopathy leading to heart failure
- Apnea (sleep deprivation)W
- Thyroid cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Nerve Compression Syndrome
- Hypogonadism (results in the reduced secretion of sex hormones)
But, how would someone know whether they have acromegaly? One can know it with the help of proper diagnosis and laboratory tests. Usually, it is recommended to consult a doctor upon experiencing symptoms associated with acromegaly. They prescribe tests to detect the condition in the body. Let’s move on to how doctors detect the presence of acromegaly in the body.
Diagnosis of acromegaly
The doctor can diagnose by looking for specific physical changes, measuring hormone levels in the blood, and conducting imaging tests. Some of these tests include:
- Glucose tolerance test: High levels of this hormone indicate acromegaly.
- CT scan: Usually, a CT scan is performed to check for non-pituitary tumours.
- Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) screening: An unusually high level of this hormone can indicate acromegaly.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): In general, MRI is performed in severe cases to check for pituitary tumours.
Conclusion
Acromegaly is an uncommon condition that affects both men and women equally. This condition affects about 50 to 70 persons out of every million people. As our discussion ends, you now have the answer to what are the symptoms of acromegaly. Acromegaly is generally not fatal on its own. However, acromegaly may have fatal consequences like diabetes, heart disease, and increased blood pressure. On the other hand, successful treatment typically helps an individual return to normal health.