What is the condition associated with high growth hormone in adults?

Acromegaly is the condition associated with excess growth hormone in adults. It typically results from a benign tumor on the pituitary gland, which leads to an overproduction of growth hormone. This excess hormone causes the body to grow an abnormal amount of bone and soft tissue. As a result, individuals with acromegaly display distinctive physical changes, such as enlarged hands and feet, facial bone changes, and a thickened skin texture. The term "acromegaly" itself originates from Greek, meaning "extremities" (acro) and "large" (megaly), which aptly describes the features of the condition.

The other conditions mentioned are unrelated to high growth hormone. Cretinism (a form of severe hypothyroidism) primarily affects children and is characterized by stunted growth and developmental delays. Addison's disease is an adrenal insufficiency condition that leads to a decrease in cortisol production. Cushing's syndrome, while related to hormonal excess, involves excessive cortisol or corticosteroids, not growth hormone. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why acromegaly is specifically associated with high levels of growth hormone in adults.