Acromegaly Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder caused by an excess of growth hormone (GH). In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, this condition is most often treated by endocrinology and neurosurgery teams at major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

Too much growth hormone leads to an overgrowth of bones and soft tissues, especially in the face, hands, and feet. This can cause:

  • Coarsening or enlargement of facial features
  • Enlarged hands and feet (rings and shoes no longer fit)
  • Gradual facial changes that may be noticed by friends or family before the person themselves

Because these changes happen slowly over many years, acromegaly can go unnoticed for a long time and is often diagnosed late.

Acromegaly in Adults vs. Gigantism in Children

Acromegaly develops after a person has finished growing, usually in adulthood.

  • In children and teens, excess growth hormone causes gigantism, leading to abnormal height and rapid growth.
  • In adults, the bones have already fused, so instead of getting taller, bones and soft tissues thicken and enlarge.

Most people diagnosed with acromegaly are between 30 and 50 years old. Although it is rare, it is important for adults in Grand Rapids to be aware of the signs, especially if they have ongoing headaches, changes in appearance, or vision problems.

How Common Is Acromegaly?

Acromegaly is considered a rare disease. Only a small number of people in the United States are affected. Because symptoms develop slowly, many cases are missed or diagnosed late.

In a metro area like Grand Rapids (population 200,000+ and growing), only a handful of people are likely to be living with acromegaly at any given time, but specialized care is available locally through major hospital systems and endocrinology clinics.

Causes of Acromegaly

Pituitary Tumor (Adenoma) – The Most Common Cause

In most cases, acromegaly is caused by a non-cancerous (benign) tumor on the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. This tumor is called a pituitary adenoma.

  • The pituitary gland normally produces many hormones, including growth hormone (GH).
  • In acromegaly, the adenoma makes too much GH, which causes the liver to produce IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1).
  • IGF-1 drives the growth of bones and soft tissues throughout the body.

This excess hormone can affect many tissues, including:

  • Bones of the skull, face, jaw, hands, and feet
  • Skin and soft tissues
  • Heart and other organs
  • Metabolism, blood sugar, and other hormone systems

Hormone Imbalance and Other Health Problems

Because growth hormone affects many body systems, acromegaly often leads to other hormonal and metabolic issues:

  • Diabetes or prediabetes – Up to one-quarter of people with acromegaly develop diabetes.
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • High cholesterol
  • Heart disease and enlarged heart (cardiomegaly)

In women, acromegaly can cause:

  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Possible fertility problems

Tumor Growth and Pressure Effects

Over time, the pituitary adenoma can slowly enlarge and press on nearby structures in the brain, causing:

  • Headaches
  • Vision changes, especially loss of peripheral (side) vision
  • In severe cases, more serious vision impairment if the optic nerves are compressed

Rare Causes: Tumors Outside the Pituitary

In rare cases, tumors in other organs (such as the lungs or pancreas) can cause acromegaly by:

  • Making growth hormone directly, or
  • Making growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH), which signals the pituitary to produce more GH

Why Pituitary Tumors Develop

The exact cause of most pituitary adenomas is unknown. They are usually not inherited and often occur without a clear trigger.

Because the cause is not known:

  • There is no proven way to prevent acromegaly.
  • Early recognition of symptoms and timely evaluation by a doctor are critical.

Symptoms of Acromegaly

Acromegaly develops gradually, often over many years, which is why it can be hard to recognize early. People in Grand Rapids may first notice changes when comparing old photos or when clothing, shoes, or rings no longer fit.

Common Physical Signs

  • Swelling of soft tissue in the hands and feet (early sign)
  • Enlarged bones in the skull, face, jaw, hands, and feet
  • Gaps forming between the teeth, changes in bite, or jaw protrusion
  • Barrel-shaped chest
  • Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly)
  • Thick, oily skin and stronger body odor
  • Growth of skin tags
  • Increased body hair
  • Enlarged tongue and lips
  • Husky or deeper voice
  • Snoring or drooling during sleep
  • Heavy sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Pain and Nerve Symptoms

  • Joint pains (often in knees, hips, or spine)
  • Pins and needles or numbness in the hands
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

Head and Vision Symptoms

  • Frequent or worsening headaches
  • Vision changes, especially loss of side vision or blurry vision

Complications of Untreated Acromegaly

Without proper treatment, acromegaly can lead to serious health problems, including:

  • Sleep apnea – pauses in breathing or choking while asleep
  • Arthritis and joint damage
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Diabetes or poor blood sugar control
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Heart disease and heart failure
  • Increased risk of premature death

Because Grand Rapids experiences long, cold winters, people with acromegaly may find joint pain and stiffness worse in cold weather. Sleep apnea may also be more noticeable when homes are closed up for winter and bedroom air quality is poor. Addressing these seasonal factors with your doctor can improve comfort and quality of life.

How Acromegaly Progresses

The course of acromegaly depends on:

  • Size of the pituitary tumor
  • How much growth hormone it produces
  • Age at onset – People who develop a pituitary tumor earlier in adult life may have faster and more aggressive progression.

Regular follow-up with an endocrinologist in Grand Rapids is essential to monitor tumor size, hormone levels, and potential complications.

Diagnosis of Acromegaly in Grand Rapids, MI

Acromegaly is often difficult to diagnose early because the physical changes are slow and subtle. Many people are diagnosed only after years of symptoms.

Step 1: Medical History and Physical Exam

Your primary care doctor or endocrinologist will:

  • Review your symptoms, including changes in appearance, headaches, or vision problems
  • Ask about sleep, snoring, and daytime fatigue
  • Compare current appearance with older photos if available
  • Examine your hands, feet, facial features, skin, and joints

If acromegaly is suspected, you will be referred to an endocrinology specialist, available at:

  • Corewell Health Medical Group – Endocrinology (Grand Rapids)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Endocrinology
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health Endocrinology
  • Other local endocrine clinics in the Grand Rapids area

Step 2: Blood Tests

The most reliable blood test is:

  • IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)
    • IGF-1 levels are usually elevated in acromegaly and do not fluctuate as much as GH, making this the best screening test.

Growth hormone levels can also be measured, but:

  • GH levels fluctuate throughout the day, so a single measurement is less helpful.
  • Sometimes an oral glucose tolerance test is used to see if GH levels fail to drop after drinking a sugary solution, which supports the diagnosis.

Step 3: Imaging Tests

To confirm the presence and size of a pituitary tumor, your doctor will order:

  • MRI scan of the brain and pituitary gland (preferred test)
  • In some cases, a CT scan if MRI is not possible

These imaging tests are available at major Grand Rapids hospitals and imaging centers.

Treatment for Acromegaly in Grand Rapids

The main goal of treatment is to:

  • Normalize growth hormone and IGF-1 levels
  • Remove or shrink the pituitary tumor
  • Relieve pressure on nearby structures, such as the optic nerves
  • Prevent or manage complications (heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.)

Treatment is usually managed by a multidisciplinary team including an endocrinologist, neurosurgeon, and sometimes a radiation oncologist.

1. Medications

Somatostatin Analogues

Drugs such as:

  • Octreotide (Sandostatin)
  • Lanreotide

These medications:

  • Inhibit growth hormone secretion from the pituitary tumor
  • Can reduce tumor size in many patients
  • May be used as first-line treatment if surgery is not possible or as follow-up therapy after surgery to control remaining disease

Growth Hormone Receptor Antagonist

  • Pegvisomant is a newer medication that blocks the action of growth hormone on body tissues.
  • It does not shrink the tumor but can normalize IGF-1 levels and improve symptoms.

Your Grand Rapids endocrinologist will determine which medication or combination is best based on your hormone levels, tumor size, and overall health.

2. Surgery

Transsphenoidal surgery (through the nose and sinus) is often the treatment of choice when the tumor is accessible and operable.

  • A neurosurgeon with pituitary expertise removes as much of the tumor as possible.
  • This surgery is typically performed at major centers such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Surgery offers the only chance of cure through complete removal of the tumor. Success depends on:

  • Tumor size
  • Tumor location
  • Surgeon’s experience and skill

Even if the tumor cannot be completely removed, surgery can:

  • Reduce pressure on the brain and optic nerves
  • Lower growth hormone levels, making medication more effective

3. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy may be recommended:

  • When surgery and medication do not fully control hormone levels
  • When surgery is not safe or possible

Radiation is usually delivered in small doses over time to target the pituitary tumor while limiting damage to surrounding brain tissue. It may take months to years for full hormone control after radiation.

Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up

Acromegaly is a chronic condition that requires long-term follow-up, even after successful treatment.

Regular monitoring may include:

  • Annual or more frequent visits with your endocrinologist
  • Blood tests to measure IGF-1 and, when needed, growth hormone levels
  • Periodic MRI scans to check for tumor regrowth
  • Screening and management of:
    • Diabetes or prediabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol
    • Sleep apnea (often evaluated with a sleep study at a local sleep center)
    • Heart disease (echocardiograms or cardiology referral if needed)

Because Michigan’s seasonal changes can impact symptoms (joint pain, sleep quality, mood, and activity levels), your care team may adjust treatment and lifestyle recommendations throughout the year.

Living With Acromegaly in Grand Rapids

With proper treatment and regular follow-up, many people with acromegaly in Grand Rapids can lead active, fulfilling lives.

Helpful strategies include:

  • Working closely with a local endocrinologist
  • Keeping regular primary care visits to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk
  • Staying active year-round, using indoor options (like local gyms or community centers) during West Michigan winters
  • Seeking evaluation for sleep apnea if snoring, daytime fatigue, or pauses in breathing during sleep are noticed
  • Maintaining a healthy diet to support blood sugar and heart health

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you notice symptoms of acromegaly or have been told your facial features, hands, or feet are changing, contact:

  • Your primary care provider (GP/family doctor) – for initial evaluation and referral
  • Endocrinologist – hormone specialist for diagnosis and long-term management
  • Neurosurgeon – if pituitary surgery is recommended

Local resources include:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Endocrinology & Neurosciences
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – Endocrinology & Neurosurgery
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health – Endocrinology
  • Mercy Health clinics serving the Grand Rapids area
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health – for general health resources, chronic disease support, and referrals

For education and national support:

  • American Pituitary Foundation – offers information, patient stories, and support resources for people living with pituitary disorders like acromegaly.

Key Points About Acromegaly

  • Acromegaly is caused by excess growth hormone, usually from a benign pituitary tumor.
  • In children, the same hormone excess causes gigantism (abnormally tall stature).
  • Adults between 30 and 50 years are most commonly affected.
  • Symptoms develop slowly, including facial changes, enlarged hands and feet, headaches, and vision changes such as loss of side vision.
  • Treatment in Grand Rapids typically includes medications, pituitary surgery, and sometimes radiation therapy, with long-term follow-up.

If you live in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area and are concerned about possible symptoms of acromegaly, contact your doctor or a local endocrinology clinic for evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve health and quality of life.