Acromegaly

1 medicine

Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder caused by excess growth hormone, usually from a pituitary tumour, leading to gradual enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features.

Parlodel

Bromocriptine

2.5mg

Parlodel is a neurology medication containing Bromocriptine, available as 2.5mg tablets.

from $1.74 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Acromegaly happens when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, most often from a benign pituitary tumour, causing gradual enlargement of the hands, feet, jaw, and facial features.
  • Because the changes develop slowly, it's often diagnosed years after symptoms start, sometimes first noticed through a changing ring size, shoe width, or facial proportions.
  • Surgery to remove the pituitary tumour is usually the first treatment. Where it can't fully normalise hormone levels, medicine such as the dopamine agonist bromocriptine becomes part of ongoing care.
  • Persistent headaches, rapid vision changes, or sudden worsening of symptoms need prompt medical review.

What is actually going on

Acromegaly develops when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, most often because of a benign tumour on the gland. The excess hormone causes gradual enlargement of the hands, feet, jaw, and facial features. Beyond the visible changes, it often brings joint pain, fatigue, excessive sweating, and headaches. Left untreated, it raises the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems, so early identification matters even though the changes are easy to miss at first.

How it's treated

Treatment works to bring growth hormone levels back to normal. Surgery to remove the pituitary tumour is usually the first approach. Where surgery can't fully normalise hormone levels, medicine becomes part of ongoing care: bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist, can suppress growth hormone secretion in some people with the condition. It's used within the broader neurology field of treatments for pituitary and brain-related conditions.

When to see a doctor

Because acromegaly's physical changes develop gradually, early identification matters for preventing complications such as diabetes and heart problems. Persistent headaches, rapid vision changes, or sudden worsening of any symptom warrant prompt medical review rather than waiting for the next routine check-up.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.