Acromegaly is a condition caused by an excess of growth hormone (GH) in the body. The typical GH level for acromegaly is greater than 5 ng/ml. This is significantly higher than the normal level of GH, which is less than 3 ng/ml in adults. Acromegaly can cause an array of physical features such as larger hands and feet, a protruding forehead, and an enlarged jaw. It can also cause a wide range of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain.
Diagnosing Acromegaly
Diagnosis of acromegaly is based on a combination of clinical signs, imaging tests, and laboratory tests. A physical examination can reveal physical features associated with acromegaly such as enlarged hands and feet, a protruding forehead, and an enlarged jaw. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can also help to diagnose acromegaly by looking for enlargement in certain bones of the body.
The definitive test for diagnosing acromegaly is a laboratory test for GH levels in the blood. A blood sample is taken and the GH level is measured. If the GH level is greater than 5 ng/ml, it is considered to be diagnostic for acromegaly.
Treating Acromegaly
Treatment of acromegaly typically involves medications to reduce GH levels, surgery to remove the tumor, and/or radiation therapy to shrink the tumor. The goal of treatment is to reduce GH levels to normal. The treatment of acromegaly must be tailored to each individual patient, as no two patients are exactly alike.
In conclusion, the GH level for acromegaly is greater than 5 ng/ml. This is significantly higher than the normal level of GH, which is less than 3 ng/ml in adults. Diagnosis of acromegaly is based on a combination of clinical signs, imaging tests, and laboratory tests. Treatment of acromegaly typically involves medications to reduce GH levels, surgery to remove the tumor, and/or radiation therapy to shrink the tumor.