How To Treat Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a condition in which the body produces excessive amounts of growth hormones. While the condition most commonly develops during middle age, it can occur in children. The symptoms of acromegaly typically develop over several years, and they can be very subtle. For example, patients might notice their ring or shoe size has increased, and their facial features may enlarge. Some patients also have an enlargement of the internal organs, including the heart. Severe snoring could develop if the airway becomes enlarged, and the voice might deepen or take on a husky quality if the sinuses or vocal cords expand in size. To diagnose acromegaly, doctors typically perform a growth hormone suppression test, and patients will need to have blood tests to measure their levels of IGF-1 and growth hormone. MRI scans might be suggested to look for tumors on the pituitary gland.