Acromegaly Symptoms

The most common acromegaly symptoms include abnormal growth of the hands and feet, as well as swelling of the soft tissues of the hands and feet. Other common acromegaly symptoms include arthritis, fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, and coarse, oily skin. Anyone experiencing possible acromegaly symptoms is encouraged to see their doctor, since these symptoms are also found with other medical conditions as well.

 

Acromegaly Symptoms: An Introduction

The name acromegaly comes from the Greek words for "extremities" and "enlargement," and reflects one of the most common acromegaly symptoms: the abnormal growth of the hands and feet. Soft-tissue swelling of the hands and feet is often an early acromegaly symptom, with patients noticing a change in ring or shoe size. Gradually, bony changes alter the patient's facial features: the brow and lower jaw protrude, the nasal bone enlarges, and the spacing of the teeth increases.
 

Other Common Acromegaly Symptoms

Other common acromegaly symptoms include:
 
  • Arthritis
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Thick, coarse, oily skin
  • Skin tags
  • Sleep apnea
  • Enlarged lips, nose, and tongue
  • Deepening of the voice due to enlarged sinuses and vocal cords
  • Impaired vision
  • Excessive sweating and skin odor
  • Headaches
  • Abnormalities of the menstrual cycle
  • Breast discharge in women
  • Impotence in men (also known as erectile dysfunction or ED)
  • Enlargement of body organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and heart.
     

Complications Seen With Acromegaly Symptoms

Acromegaly can lead to the development of other health conditions. The most serious health consequences of acromegaly are:
 
(Acromegaly Symptoms Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD