Growth Hormone Excess

Growth hormone excess, also known as acromegaly or gigantism, is a rare medical condition that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone (GH). This excess GH causes the body's tissues and organs to grow abnormally, leading to a range of symptoms and health problems.

Causes

The most common cause of growth hormone excess is a non-cancerous tumor on the pituitary gland, called an adenoma. This tumor produces excess GH, which can lead to acromegaly or gigantism. Other rare causes include:

• Pituitary hyperplasia (an increase in the number of cells in the pituitary gland)
• Carney complex (a rare genetic disorder that affects the pituitary gland and other organs)
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) (a rare genetic disorder that affects the pituitary gland and other endocrine glands)

Symptoms

The symptoms of growth hormone excess can vary depending on the age at which the condition develops. In children, excess GH can cause:

• Increased height and growth rate
• Enlarged hands and feet
• Coarse facial features
• Jaw protrusion
• Joint pain and limited mobility

In adults, excess GH can cause:

• Enlarged hands and feet
• Coarse facial features
• Jaw protrusion
• Joint pain and limited mobility
• Headaches and visual disturbances (due to tumor compression on surrounding tissues)
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Excessive sweating and body odor

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of growth hormone excess typically involves a combination of the following tests:

• Blood tests to measure GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels
• Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to visualize the pituitary gland and detect any tumors
• Physical examination to assess for signs of excess GH, such as enlarged hands and feet

Treatment

The treatment of growth hormone excess depends on the underlying cause and may involve:

• Surgery to remove the pituitary tumor
• Medications to reduce GH production, such as somatostatin analogs or dopamine agonists
• Radiation therapy to shrink the tumor
• Hormone replacement therapy to manage any hormone deficiencies that may occur as a result of treatment

Complications

If left untreated, growth hormone excess can lead to a range of complications, including:

• Cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure
• Diabetes and metabolic disorders
• Osteoarthritis and joint damage
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Cognitive impairment and mental health issues

Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent or manage these complications and improve overall quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is growth hormone excess?
A condition where the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone.

What causes growth hormone excess?
Typically caused by a non-cancerous tumor on the pituitary gland.

What are the symptoms of growth hormone excess?
Enlarged hands and feet, joint pain, and facial changes.

Can growth hormone excess occur in children?
Yes, leading to gigantism.

How is growth hormone excess diagnosed?
Through blood tests and imaging studies.

What are the risks of untreated growth hormone excess?
Increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Can growth hormone excess be treated?
Yes, with medication, surgery, or radiation therapy.

What medications are used to treat growth hormone excess?
Somatostatin analogs and dopamine agonists.

Is surgery effective for treating growth hormone excess?
Yes, often curative if the tumor is removed successfully.

Can growth hormone excess increase cancer risk?
Possibly, due to increased insulin-like growth factor-1 levels.