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.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 23 Jun 2016