Acromegaly is a rare but serious hormonal disorder that often goes unnoticed until it progresses to an advanced stage. Characterised by the excessive production of growth hormone (GH), this condition leads to abnormal growth of bones and tissues, especially in the hands, feet, and face. Although acromegaly develops gradually, its long-term effects can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

If left untreated, acromegaly can result in severe complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and joint issues. Recognising the early signs and understanding available treatment regimens can help manage the condition effectively and prevent long-term damage. This article explores the symptoms, potential health risks, and treatment strategies for acromegaly, along with insights into how it affects women’s health.

What Are the Early Signs of Acromegaly?

Acromegaly develops gradually, making it difficult to detect in its early stages. However, paying attention to subtle changes in your body can help identify the condition before it causes irreversible damage.

Common Early Signs Include:

• Enlarged Hands and Feet: You may notice that your rings feel tight or that your shoe size has increased over time.
  
  

• Facial Changes: Gradual enlargement of the jaw, nose, and forehead may occur, resulting in coarser facial features.
  
  

• Thickened Skin: The skin may become oily, thick, and rough, especially on the hands and feet.
  
  

• Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent tiredness, muscle weakness, and joint pain are also common.
  
  

• Changes in Voice: The voice may become deeper and hoarse due to swelling of the vocal cords.
  
  

These changes often occur so slowly that they go unnoticed for years. Seeking medical advice when these symptoms arise can prevent further progression and complications.

How Does Acromegaly Affect Women’s Health?

Acromegaly can have unique effects on women’s health, often leading to hormonal imbalances and women’s reproductive health issues. Since the disorder affects the pituitary gland, which regulates various hormones, women may experience:

• Menstrual Irregularities: Irregular or absent menstrual cycles are common, making it difficult for women to conceive.
  
  

• Infertility: Hormonal disruptions can lead to challenges in ovulation and conception.
  
  

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Acromegaly may contribute to the development of PCOS, which is characterised by ovarian cysts, irregular periods, and excessive hair growth.
  
  

• Increased Risk of Uterine Fibroids: Hormonal imbalances may increase the likelihood of developing benign growths in the uterus.
  
  

Women diagnosed with acromegaly should undergo regular monitoring to address these health concerns and maintain reproductive well-being.

What Are the Main Complications of Acromegaly?

If acromegaly remains untreated, it can lead to a range of serious complications, including:

• Cardiovascular Issues: High blood pressure, heart enlargement, and an increased risk of heart disease.
  
  

• Diabetes and Insulin Resistance: Excess growth hormone can interfere with insulin action, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
  
  

• Sleep Apnea: Enlargement of tissues in the throat can block airways, resulting in breathing difficulties during sleep.
  
  

• Joint and Bone Problems: Arthritis and joint pain are common due to the excessive growth of bones and tissues.

What Are the Treatment Options for Acromegaly?

The treatment of acromegaly focuses on reducing excess growth hormone levels, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include:

1. Surgery

Surgical removal of the tumour causing excess GH production is often the first-line treatment. Transsphenoidal surgery, where the cancer is removed through the nose, is the most common approach. When successful, surgery can significantly reduce or normalise GH levels.

2. Medications

When surgery alone does not provide sufficient control, medicines may be prescribed to manage hormone levels.

• Sandostatin injection (Octreotide): This medication is a synthetic version of somatostatin, a hormone that inhibits GH production. It is often used to control growth hormone levels when surgery is not entirely effective.
  
  

• Octride injection: Another somatostatin analogue, Octride works similarly to Sandostatin by reducing GH secretion and alleviating symptoms.
  
  

These medications help manage the condition and improve quality of life by preventing further complications.

3. Radiation Therapy

In cases where surgery and medication are insufficient, radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumour and lower GH levels gradually. However, this approach can take several years to achieve full effectiveness.

Can Acromegaly Be Cured Completely?

While a complete cure is possible in some cases, especially when the tumour is detected early and removed successfully through surgery, acromegaly often requires ongoing management. Even after surgery, some patients may continue to produce excess GH and need medication to keep levels under control.

How Is Acromegaly Diagnosed?

Acromegaly is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests, and imaging studies.

• Growth Hormone and IGF-1 Tests: Elevated levels of GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) confirm the diagnosis.
  
  

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): GH levels are measured after consuming glucose, as they should drop in a healthy individual.
  
  

• MRI or CT Scan: Imaging helps identify and locate the pituitary tumour responsible for excessive GH production.
  
  

Early diagnosis ensures timely intervention and better management of the condition.

How Can Lifestyle Changes Help Manage Acromegaly?

In addition to medical treatment, adopting a healthy lifestyle can support better management of acromegaly and improve overall well-being.

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats to prevent weight gain and support hormone balance.
  
  

• Exercise Regularly: Engage in moderate physical activity to improve CVS health and maintain a healthy weight.
  
  

• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Since acromegaly increases the risk of diabetes, keeping blood sugar in check is essential.
  
  

• Get Regular Checkups: Routine medical evaluations can help track hormone levels and identify potential complications early.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Acromegaly may be a silent and slow-progressing disorder, but its impact on health can be profound if left untreated. Recognising the symptoms early and exploring appropriate treatment options can significantly improve outcomes and prevent long-term complications. Whether through surgery, medication, or lifestyle changes, managing acromegaly effectively is possible. If you or someone you know is experiencing unusual physical changes or hormonal imbalances, seeking medical advice promptly can make all the difference.