Signifor

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that generally develops when a noncancerous pituitary tumor causes too much growth hormone (GH) to be made over a long period of time. Too much growth hormone causes your liver to overproduce the hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This overproduction leads to changes in the body.

Acromegaly is a rare condition. There are approximately 3,000 new cases of acromegaly per year, and about 25,000 people living with acromegaly in the United States.

The symptoms of acromegaly develop slowly over time and may vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of acromegaly include physical changes (such as enlarged hands and feet), changes in facial features (such as enlarged nose), and bone changes (such as the jutting out of the brow and lower jaw). Other common symptoms include headache, joint aches, and vision problems. Snoring, fatigue, and voice changes can also occur, among other symptoms.

Your healthcare provider will most likely order a blood test that measures a hormone called insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) to make the diagnosis. Other tests, such as those that measure growth hormone (GH) and your body’s response to sugar, may also be done if additional information is needed.

Depending on the results, your healthcare provider may order imaging tests, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan. These tests are used to help the healthcare provider determine whether a tumor is causing the problem.

Surgery is often recommended as the initial treatment. If surgery is not possible or has not improved your condition, your healthcare provider may recommend medical management. Speak with your healthcare provider about what treatment may be right for you.