Growth hormone (GH) controls the growth of soft tissue and bone.
Elevated GH causes an excess of bone and soft tissue growth. In
adults, this can cause a rare disorder called acromegaly. It can
cause serious complications and early death if not treated. In
young children, bone fusion and growth is still occurring.
Excess GH can cause a similar condition called gigantism. The
pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the
brain. It produces many hormones, including GH. In most cases,
the elevation of GH is caused by a benign tumor of this gland.
In a small number of cases, malignant tumors of other organs
(pancreas, adrenal, lung) may be the source of excess GH. Risk
factors that increase your chance of developing acromegaly
include: - Family history (rare) - Age: 40-45 years old Symptoms
usually develop slowly over time. In children, the bones are
elongated and cause soft tissue swelling. If not treated,
children can grow to a height of 7-8 feet. Symptoms and
complications in adults may include: