There is a hormonal condition called Acromegaly.The growth hormone produced by the tumor causes enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.This happens around middle-age, but it can happen at any time.To diagnose acromegaly, visit your doctor.
Step 1: There are enlarged hands and feet.
The most common symptom of acromegaly is large hands and feet.This usually begins with swelling.It's possible that your gloves, shoes, and rings don't fit anymore.Your foot is too wide for the shoe.
Step 2: Make sure to check for facial changes.
An abnormality in the face can be caused by Acromegaly.The bones seem to grow and expand.This may begin with your brow or forehead.Your lower jaw may protrude.Your teeth may separate and you may have a bigger nose because of the bone in your nose.There are larger lips and a larger tongue.Your voice may get deeper because of larger vocal cords.
Step 3: It's a good idea to look for bodily pain.
Acromegaly can lead to arthritis.You may experience joint pains because of this.You could end up with carpal tunnel syndrome.You may experience weakness in your hands and feet.
Step 4: There is a general sense of unwellness.
Many of the symptoms make you feel bad.You might have fatigue, weakness, headaches, or impaired vision.Severe snoring can also be experienced.There is a chance that diabetes may be due toglucose intolerance.An enlarged heart can cause hypertension.
Step 5: Check for skin problems.
The skin can also be affected by Acromegaly.It is possible that you are sweating more than usual.It is possible that your skin has developed an unpleasant odor.You can develop skin tags.Your skin could become oily.
Step 6: There are sexual problems that you should watch for.
Symptoms related to your sexual organs may be caused by this condition.There may be disruptions in women's menstrual cycles.They may experience a discharge from their breasts.Men may experience a decrease in libido.
Step 7: Go to your doctor.
You need to make an appointment with your doctor to diagnose acromegaly.They will conduct a physical examination during this visit.They might ask you about problems or symptoms.A detailed family history should be taken by the doctor.If you have pictures of yourself taken over the years, you can show your doctor how your face has changed.
Step 8: Take a measurement.
You doctor may suggest that you get a specific test to measure the levels of growth hormones in your blood.If you have elevated levels in your blood, you may have acromegaly.The doctor will take a sample of the patient's blood.You may have to return to the doctor the next day for some tests.They need to fast overnight before they can do the test.This can happen if they want to test the levels.You may not have to fast if the doctor only wants to test the levels.The doctor can take your blood at that time.
Step 9: You can take a test.
A growth hormone suppression test is the most effective way to determine if you have acromegaly.Before you get a sugar drink, the doctor will check your blood pressure.The doctor will perform a blood test on you after you have been exposed to sugar.If you have acromegaly, you will still be elevated after drinking a drink.The normal response is to decrease the amount of sugar in the blood.The test takes two hours.
Step 10: The function of the pituitary is checked.
If the doctor confirms acromegaly after checking hormone levels, they may check the parts of your pituitary not affected by the tumor function.Your doctor will perform a blood test.The blood will be tested for hormones.Other essential hormones can be low due to this condition.
Step 11: Undergo tests.
After checking your growth hormone levels, your doctor may order an x-ray.An magnetic resonance image is usually ordered.This test helps to find the location of the tumor.It helps determine the size of the tumor.If no tumors are found on the pituitary, they may look for other tumors that could cause elevated levels.
Step 12: Go for surgery.
Surgery is one of the main treatments for acromegaly.The doctors will remove the tumors during the surgery.The surgeon will have to go through the nose.Growth hormones are produced in your body if the tumor is removed.It helps relieve the pressure on the surrounding tissue.
Step 13: Take it with you.
Your body will produce too much growth hormone if your doctor can't remove all of the tumor.If you want to reduce or block your GH, your doctor will probably prescribe medication.Somatostatin analogues are a common type of medication.It helps reduce the amount of hormones in the body.A healthcare professional injects the medication into your buttocks.You have to do this once a month.Another type of medication is dopamine agonists.The pills reduce the levels of hormones in your body.Gambling can be caused by this medication.The growth hormone antagonist blocks the GH from interacting with your tissues.This is an injection that you give yourself.
Step 14: Radiation therapy should be stopped.
Your doctor may suggest radiation if you still have part of your tumor.This can help destroy remaining tumors.Radiation can help reduce your levels.It may take a long time to see the results from radiation treatments.