Acromegaly is a rare condition caused by an excess of growth hormone in the body. It is usually caused by a non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary gland, which is the part of the brain that produces growth hormone. The condition can cause physical changes, such as an enlarged face, hands, and feet. It can also lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
What Can Mimic Acromegaly?
There are some medical conditions that can mimic acromegaly, including:
Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause symptoms similar to acromegaly, including weight loss, fatigue, anxiety, and irritability.
Gigantism: Gigantism is a rare condition that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone during childhood. This can cause an increase in height and other changes that are similar to acromegaly.
Cushing's Syndrome: Cushing's Syndrome is a condition caused by an excess of cortisol in the body. It can cause symptoms similar to acromegaly, including weight gain, thinning of the skin, and high blood pressure.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can cause symptoms similar to acromegaly, such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition that affects the ovaries and can lead to an excess of androgens in the body. This can cause symptoms similar to acromegaly, such as unwanted facial hair and acne.
Pseudogigantism: Pseudogigantism is a condition that is caused by an excess of growth hormone in childhood. This can cause an increase in height and other changes that are similar to acromegaly.
Diagnosis
If you are experiencing symptoms of acromegaly, it is important to see your doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical exam to look for signs of acromegaly. They may also order blood tests and imaging tests to check for a tumor in the pituitary gland.
If your doctor suspects acromegaly, they may refer you to an endocrinologist for further testing. An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine conditions, such as acromegaly.
Treating the underlying cause of acromegaly is important for managing the condition. This may include taking medication to control the growth hormone levels or having surgery to remove a tumor in the pituitary gland. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor.
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for treating acromegaly. This can help to reduce or prevent any long-term complications of the condition.