Acromegaly is a condition where you don't stop growing in the sense that your bones and tissues continue to grow abnormally after the typical growth plates close. This is different from gigantism, where excessive growth hormone leads to excessive height before growth plates fuse. In acromegaly, the excess growth hormone causes enlargement of hands, feet, facial features, and internal organs, even though height does not increase further.
Understanding Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder resulting from excessive growth hormone (GH) production by the pituitary gland during adulthood. This excess GH causes continued growth of bones and tissues, leading to characteristic physical changes. Several sources confirm this:
- Mayo Clinic: Describes acromegaly as a hormonal disorder developing when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone during adulthood. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acromegaly/symptoms-causes/syc-20351222
- NHS: States that acromegaly is a rare condition where the body produces too much growth hormone, causing body tissues and bones to grow more quickly. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acromegaly/
- Cleveland Clinic: Explains that acromegaly is a rare but serious condition resulting from too much growth hormone, affecting the body's bones and other tissues. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17743-acromegaly
Key Differences from Gigantism
It's important to distinguish acromegaly from gigantism:
- Gigantism: Occurs before puberty, resulting in excessive height due to excess GH. Once growth plates fuse, excess GH causes acromegaly instead. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22954-gigantism
- Acromegaly: Occurs after puberty, with the excess GH causing abnormal growth of existing tissues and bones, but not height increase.
Symptoms of Acromegaly
Symptoms of acromegaly can include:
- Enlarged hands and feet
- Changes in facial features (e.g., prominent jaw, thickened lips)
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Sleep apnea
- Vision problems
