Acromegaly is typically caused by excess production of which hormone?

Acromegaly is primarily caused by an overproduction of growth hormone, which is typically the result of a benign tumor on the pituitary gland called an adenoma. When excess growth hormone is released into the bloodstream, it stimulates the liver and other tissues to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), leading to excessive growth of bones and soft tissues.

This condition usually manifests in adults who experience abnormal growth patterns after they have completed the growth phase of development, differing from gigantism which occurs in children before the closure of growth plates. The signs of acromegaly include enlargement of hands and feet, facial changes such as protruding jaw and enlarged nose, and various systemic effects like hypertension and diabetes.

The other hormones listed do not play a primary role in the pathophysiology of acromegaly. Thyroid hormone, cortisol, and insulin may have their own conditions associated with their dysregulation, but they do not cause acromegaly. Therefore, understanding the central role of growth hormone in this disorder is key to recognizing and diagnosing acromegaly.