Introduction

Acromegaly is a condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone, leading to the excess growth of body tissues over time.

Typical features include:

• Abnormally large hands and feet
• Large, prominent facial features
• An enlarged tongue
• Abnormally tall height (if it occurs before puberty)

Growth hormone is produced and released by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland just below the brain.

When growth hormone is released into the blood, it stimulates the liver to produce another hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) which causes growth of muscle, bones and cartilage throughout the body.

This process is essential for growth and repair of body tissues.