What it is
Too much growth hormone makes bones and soft tissues grow, and over time can affect the heart, blood pressure, blood sugar and joints.
Treatment is usually an operation to remove the pituitary tumour, sometimes followed by medicines or radiotherapy. People are then followed for many years with blood tests and scans.
Common signs
- Larger hands and feet (rings and shoes no longer fit)
- Changes in facial features, such as a larger nose, jaw or brow
- Headaches and vision problems
- Joint pain, heavy sweating, snoring
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood tests for IGF-1 and growth hormone, often with a glucose tolerance test
- An MRI scan of the pituitary gland
- Eye field tests if the tumour is near the optic nerves
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- IGF-1 and growth hormone results over the years
- Pituitary MRI reports
- Visual field tests
- Operation notes and endocrinology letters
- Old photos, which can help show how changes developed
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which treatment do you recommend, and what happens if it does not work fully?
- How often will my hormone levels and scans be checked?
- Which other checks do I need, such as heart, blood sugar or bowel?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A sudden severe headache with vision loss or confusion
- Chest pain or severe breathlessness
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.