#acromegaly notes

[er-cryptid]

Acromegaly

-- rare but serious condition

-- caused by too much growth hormone (GH)

-- GH is released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain

-- in children, GH causes growth and development

-- in adults, GH effects energy, muscle strength, bone health, and sense of general well-being

-- too much GH in children results in gigantism

-- acromegaly typically occurs in middle-aged adults

-- acromegaly occurs in about 3 in every 1,000,000 people