acromegaly symptoms: what to watch for

Did you notice your rings don’t fit or your shoe size changed? Those small shifts can be the first visible acromegaly symptoms. Acromegaly is caused by too much growth hormone, usually from a small pituitary tumor. The changes are slow, so people often miss them for years.

Common signs to watch for

Enlarged hands and feet — a classic early sign. You might find you need bigger shoes or your wedding ring is tight. Facial changes — jaw growth, wider nose, thicker lips — happen gradually but are noticeable in photos over time.

Joint pain and stiffness are common. Extra bone and tissue growth puts pressure on joints, which can feel sore or ache like arthritis. Headaches and vision problems are red flags too; a growing pituitary tumor can press on nearby nerves.

Other typical symptoms include excessive sweating, oily skin, and persistent fatigue. Many people develop sleep apnea from tissue changes around the throat. Women can see menstrual changes, while men may notice low libido or erectile issues.

Nerve compression signs — like numbness or tingling in the hands (carpal tunnel) — can show up because tissues expand. Blood sugar problems and high blood pressure are frequent, since excess growth hormone interferes with how your body handles insulin.

Diagnosis and treatment basics

If you or your doctor suspect acromegaly, expect a simple blood test first: IGF-1. This hormone stays steady through the day and reflects growth hormone levels. If IGF-1 is high, doctors often do an oral glucose tolerance test to see if growth hormone drops as it should. Imaging — an MRI of the pituitary — helps find a tumor.

Treatment usually starts with surgery to remove the pituitary tumor when possible. Transsphenoidal surgery (through the nose) is the most common approach and often improves symptoms quickly. If surgery can’t fully remove the tumor, or if surgery isn’t an option, medications can help. Somatostatin analogs (like octreotide or lanreotide) reduce hormone release. Pegvisomant blocks growth hormone effects. Radiation is a slower option but can help when other treatments aren’t enough.

Living with acromegaly means regular follow-up. Blood tests and MRIs track whether treatment works. Managing blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep apnea, and joint pain makes daily life better. Dental care is also important because jaw and tooth alignment can change.

When should you see a doctor? If you notice steady changes — hands, feet, face — new or worsening headaches, vision loss, or unexplained high blood sugar or blood pressure, talk to your primary care doctor. Ask for an endocrine referral if tests suggest a hormone problem. Early detection makes treatment easier and limits long-term problems.

Short, practical tip: take photos from a few years back. Comparing them to recent pictures can reveal slow changes that your memory misses. If those photos show change, bring them to your doctor — they’re useful for spotting acromegaly symptoms early.