Question 1

What is acromegaly?

Accepted Answer

Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder that causes abnormal growth of bones and tissues in the hands, feet, and face during adulthood. It is caused by excessive production of growth hormone, typically from a benign tumor in the pituitary gland. The Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) test is the most important test for diagnosis because IGF-1 levels remain stable throughout the day and directly reflect growth hormone activity.

Question 2

What causes acromegaly?

Accepted Answer

Acromegaly is caused by excessive production of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, almost always due to a benign tumor called a pituitary adenoma. This tumor secretes uncontrolled amounts of growth hormone, which triggers the liver to produce high levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The excess growth hormone and IGF-1 cause bones and soft tissues to grow abnormally, particularly in the hands, feet, and facial features.

Question 3

What is the best test for acromegaly?

Accepted Answer

The Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) test is the most important screening test for acromegaly because it provides a stable measure of growth hormone activity throughout the day. Unlike growth hormone levels that fluctuate significantly, IGF-1 remains consistent and accurately reflects chronic growth hormone excess. Elevated IGF-1 levels strongly indicate acromegaly caused by a pituitary tumor. Your doctor may also order a Human Growth Hormone test to measure growth hormone directly, and IGF Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3) to provide additional supportive evidence of excessive hormone production.

Question 4

When should I get tested for acromegaly?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice gradual changes in your appearance, such as your hands or feet becoming larger and requiring bigger rings or shoe sizes, your facial features becoming more pronounced, or your jaw and forehead protruding more. Other warning signs include joint pain, thickening of your skin, deepening of your voice, excessive sweating, or new gaps developing between your teeth. Because acromegaly develops slowly over years, early testing is important if you or family members notice these changes.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of acromegaly?

Accepted Answer

Acromegaly symptoms develop gradually and include enlarged hands and feet that make rings and shoes too tight, pronounced facial features with a protruding jaw and brow, thickened skin, and excessive sweating. You might notice your voice deepening, gaps developing between your teeth, or joint pain and limited mobility. Other symptoms include fatigue, weakness, headaches, vision problems, sleep apnea, and in women, irregular menstrual periods. Because changes happen slowly over 7 to 10 years, many people do not recognize symptoms until they compare old photos.

Question 6

Who is at risk for acromegaly?

Accepted Answer

Acromegaly typically affects middle-aged adults between 40 and 60 years old, though it can occur at any age after puberty. The condition affects men and women equally. Risk factors include having genetic conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or familial acromegaly syndrome, though most cases occur randomly without a family history. People with these genetic syndromes should be monitored regularly, as they have a higher risk of developing pituitary tumors that cause acromegaly.

Question 7

What happens if acromegaly is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated acromegaly leads to serious complications that can be life-threatening. Excessive growth hormone damages your heart, causing enlarged heart muscle, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart disease and heart failure. You may develop type 2 diabetes, colon polyps with increased cancer risk, severe arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sleep apnea. The pituitary tumor can grow and press on nearby structures, causing vision loss and persistent headaches. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical because these complications can significantly reduce your lifespan and quality of life.

Question 8

Can acromegaly be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, acromegaly is primarily diagnosed through blood tests that measure growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. The IGF-1 test is the most reliable screening tool because elevated levels clearly indicate excess growth hormone production. Your doctor may also perform an oral glucose tolerance test, where growth hormone levels are measured after drinking a glucose solution - in healthy people, glucose suppresses growth hormone, but in acromegaly, levels remain high. After blood tests confirm the diagnosis, imaging studies like MRI scans locate the pituitary tumor causing the condition.

Question 9

How is acromegaly treated?

Accepted Answer

Acromegaly treatment focuses on reducing growth hormone production and tumor size through surgery, medication, or radiation therapy. Transsphenoidal surgery to remove the pituitary tumor is usually the first treatment and can cure many patients by normalizing hormone levels. If surgery does not fully remove the tumor or is not possible, medications like somatostatin analogs, dopamine agonists, or growth hormone receptor antagonists control hormone production. Radiation therapy may be used when surgery and medication are not fully effective. Treatment goals include normalizing hormone levels, shrinking the tumor, and preventing complications.

Question 10

How can I prevent acromegaly?

Accepted Answer

Acromegaly cannot be prevented because it is caused by a pituitary tumor that develops spontaneously, not from lifestyle factors or environmental exposures. However, if you have a genetic condition like multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) that increases your risk, regular monitoring with blood tests and imaging can detect acromegaly early. Early detection allows for prompt treatment before serious complications develop. If you notice gradual changes in your appearance or symptoms, seeking medical evaluation quickly improves treatment outcomes and prevents long-term damage to your heart, joints, and other organs.

Question 11

What can I do at home for acromegaly?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot treat acromegaly itself, you can manage symptoms and support your overall health during medical treatment. Maintain a healthy diet to control blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes, and exercise regularly to manage weight and maintain joint mobility despite arthritis. Use a CPAP machine if you have sleep apnea, which is common with acromegaly. Monitor your symptoms by taking photos periodically to track physical changes, and keep all medical appointments for blood tests and imaging. Stay informed about your condition and communicate openly with your healthcare team about new symptoms or concerns.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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Acromegaly Blood Test

What is Acromegaly?

What causes acromegaly?

What is the best test for acromegaly?

When should I get tested for acromegaly?

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