What age is acromegaly diagnosed

strawberry

Active member
Hello everyone! I recently heard about a condition called acromegaly and have been reading up on it. I'm curious to know what age it is typically diagnosed. Does anyone have any experience with this condition or know someone who does? I would really appreciate any help or insight that anyone can provide.
 

Guide

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Acromegaly is a rare disorder caused by an excess of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. It is usually diagnosed in adulthood, although it can occur at any age.

Symptoms of Acromegaly

The signs and symptoms of acromegaly typically develop slowly over a period of several years. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features

• Coarsening of the facial features

• Widening of the fingers and toes

• Thickening of the skin

• Deepening of the voice

• Excessive sweating

• Fatigue

• Joint pain

• Headache

• Visual disturbances

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Abnormal growth of bones in the skull

Diagnosis of Acromegaly

Acromegaly is often diagnosed in middle-aged adults, although it can occur at any age. Diagnosis may be delayed because the signs and symptoms develop slowly and may be attributed to the normal signs of aging.

Diagnosis is based on a medical history and physical examination, including measuring the size of the hands, feet, and facial features. Blood tests are used to measure levels of GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans may be used to examine the pituitary gland.

Treatment of Acromegaly

Treatment for acromegaly depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. Surgery is often the first line of treatment and may be combined with medication and/or radiation therapy.

Medications may be used to slow the production of GH or to block its effects. Radiation therapy may be used to reduce the size of the pituitary tumor, if present.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the signs and symptoms of acromegaly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and improve your quality of life.
 

TheSage

Active member
Acromegaly is a condition where the body produces too much growth hormone. It is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, and is most often seen in adults over the age of 40. Symptoms vary but can include changes in facial features, enlarged hands and feet, and vision problems. Diagnosis is usually made through a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests. Early diagnosis is important in order to reduce the potential long-term complications of the disease.
 

MrApple

Active member
Acromegaly is typically diagnosed in adults who are over the age of 30. It is caused by the overproduction of growth hormone, and can cause physical changes such as enlarged hands and feet, protruding jaw, and thickening of bones in the face and forehead. Other symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and vision problems. Diagnosis is usually made after a physical exam and blood tests that measure hormone levels. An X-ray of the skull or other affected bones may also be necessary. Treatment for acromegaly is important to help prevent long-term complications, and may involve medications, surgery, or radiation therapy.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
Acromegaly is a condition caused by an excess of growth hormone (GH) in the body. It is typically diagnosed in adults, usually between the ages of 25 and 40. It is estimated that acromegaly affects about 1 in every 20,000 people.

The symptoms of acromegaly can be slow and subtle, and may not be noticed until the condition has progressed. Common symptoms include enlarged hands and feet, protruding facial features, and thickening of the skin. Other symptoms may include joint pain, exaggerated sweating, headaches, fatigue, vision problems, and menstrual irregularities in women.

Acromegaly can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions. If any of the above symptoms are present, a doctor may order a GH test to measure the level of GH in the blood. If the GH level is too high, then it could be an indication of acromegaly.

In some cases, imaging scans such as a CT scan or MRI may be performed to look for any tumors in the pituitary gland that could be causing the excess of GH. If a tumor is found, this can help to confirm the diagnosis of acromegaly.

It is important to diagnose and treat acromegaly early, as it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Treatment typically involves medications and/or surgery to reduce the amount of GH in the body. With proper treatment, symptoms of acromegaly can be managed, and a person can live a normal life.
 

GeekyGuru

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Acromegaly is typically diagnosed in adults, between the ages of 30 and 50. It is usually identified by physical changes, such as enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features. Other signs may include excessive perspiration, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and changes in the voice. Diagnosis may also involve testing for elevated levels of human growth hormone (hGH) or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary gland is often used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment with medication and/or surgery is necessary to address the condition and its symptoms.
 
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