GLOSSARY

Acromegaly
Acromegaly results from prolonged GH excess after epiphyseal closure, usually associated with a GH-secreting pituitary tumor.

Locate the disturbance. Primary disorders originate mainly in the peripheral gland, while secondary disorders usually involve pituitary regulation. Hormone resistance affects target responsiveness. The appropriate upstream response helps interpret the pattern, but illness, medicines and assay interference can complicate a simple model.

Interpreting the mechanism. Diagnosis integrates clinical features, IGF-1 and appropriate confirmatory testing, because random GH fluctuates substantially.

Symptoms and paired measurements. Fatigue, weight change and poor performance are nonspecific. Endocrine evaluation connects symptoms, examination, appropriately selected tests and, where indicated, imaging or dynamic assessment. A single abnormal hormone does not independently establish the underlying diagnosis.