What is the medical term for the excess growth hormone secretion in adults?

Acromegaly is the medical term used to describe the condition characterized by excess growth hormone secretion in adults. This condition typically arises from a benign tumor on the pituitary gland, leading to an abnormal increase in growth hormone levels after the growth plates have closed following puberty.

Individuals with acromegaly often exhibit noticeable physical changes, such as enlarged hands and feet, facial changes (including a protruding jaw and enlarged nose), and thickened skin. These changes result from the prolonged elevated levels of growth hormone, affecting various tissues throughout the body.

In contrast, gigantism occurs in children and adolescents who still have open growth plates, leading to excessive growth in height and overall body size. Pituitary dwarfism is a condition resulting from insufficient growth hormone secretion, leading to stunted growth. Cushing’s syndrome involves an excess of cortisol, not growth hormone, and presents with different symptoms such as weight gain, skin changes, and high blood pressure. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for identifying the underlying endocrine disorders accurately.