Acromegaly: What It Looks Like and What You Can Do

Acromegaly is a rare condition caused by too much growth hormone, usually from a small pituitary tumor. You won’t always notice it right away — changes happen slowly. Common signs include enlarged hands and feet, wider nose, thicker lips, joint pain, and gaps between teeth. If these changes feel gradual but steady, it’s worth paying attention.

How doctors diagnose acromegaly

The first step is a blood test that checks IGF‑1, a marker that stays stable throughout the day. High IGF‑1 suggests excess growth hormone. If that’s high, doctors often do an oral glucose suppression test — sugar normally lowers growth hormone, but it won’t in acromegaly. After blood tests, an MRI of the pituitary gland checks for a tumor. Your endocrinologist will combine blood results, imaging, and symptoms to make the diagnosis.

Bring a list of symptoms, photos showing changes over time, and a current medication list to the appointment. Showing how your appearance or shoe size changed can help the doctor spot the pattern faster.

Treatment options and living with acromegaly

Surgery is the usual first step when a pituitary tumor is found. The surgeon removes the tumor through the nose (transsphenoidal surgery). Many people see a quick drop in hormone levels after that, but not everyone is cured by surgery alone.

If surgery doesn’t fix it, or if the tumor can’t be fully removed, medications can control hormone levels. Common drugs are somatostatin analogs (like octreotide and lanreotide) and a growth hormone receptor blocker (pegvisomant). Radiation therapy is another option when surgery and meds don’t work well enough.

Treatment involves follow-up blood tests and periodic MRIs. Your care team wants to normalize hormone levels and protect organs like the heart and joints from long-term damage. That’s why ongoing monitoring matters even after symptoms improve.

Daily life tips: sleep apnea is common, so ask about a sleep study if you snore or feel very tired. Watch blood pressure and blood sugar — acromegaly raises the risk of diabetes and heart problems. Keep up with dental care because jaw changes can cause bite issues. For joint pain, physical therapy and weight management often help more than pain meds alone.

Mental health matters too. Changes in appearance or chronic fatigue can be draining. A support group or counselor can make a big difference. Online communities and local endocrine clinics often run patient groups.

If you suspect acromegaly, see a primary doctor or an endocrinologist — earlier treatment lowers the chance of long-term damage. If you already have a diagnosis, stay on top of follow-ups and tell your team about new symptoms right away. Small, regular steps keep you feeling better and protect your long-term health.