Acromegaly Support Group

Acromegaly (from Greek akros "high" and megas "large" - extremities enlargement) is a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (hGH). Acromegaly most commonly affects middle-aged adults and can result in serious illness and premature death. Join the group to discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.

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/ Acromegaly Support Group

Please help!

calebcarny18
calebcarny18

Hello,



I have recently been in a bit of a panic. I have been experiencing a variety of symptoms over the course of 2 years that I suspect are related to acromegaly.


I am only 18 years old - and a bit of a hyperchondriac - but am positive that I have experienced facial changes. These changes are - 


-More pronounced cheek bones


-Bigger Nose (Sometimes difficulty breathing through nose)


-Uneven jaw (Severe TMJ and developing underbite)


-Acne and oily face



I have yet to experience any feet or hand growth - I know this because I haven't had to resize my rings or shoes. But I am having trouble knowing if my symptoms are strictly caused by my TMJ (I am currently being treated with braces), or possibly another underlying condition such as Acromegaly.



But my main issue is how drastically my bite seems to be changes. My orthodontist has diagnosed me with TMJ and a unilateral posterior crossbite. Having had my braces for 6 months, I can tell I am developing a slight underbite. It is causing me to overcorrect and bite my cheeks. 



Wondering if this could all be TMJ related. My mother has severe TMJ as well. But that doesn't quite explain the facial feature changes - unless it has to do with growing. Please provide your input.



Thanks in advance.


bella57
bella57
I know you must be scared with these changes. The only way to have a diagnosis is with a simple blood test. Please find someone who can help you with medical procedures.
dacarte3
dacarte3
interesting sounds similar to me. Some facial changes (for some reason on one side). oily skin. acne. TMJ much more quickly getting worse.

But no growth of hands, feet, ears, lips, etc

I know bad TMJ can alter facial symmetry and make things look more pronounced with out it being actual "growth". And there may be a tipping point with TMJ where the "dam breaks" so to speak.

caleb, any update?
calebcarny
calebcarny
Hello. This is me (the original poster). I somehow got locked out of my account and had to make a new one. As far as updates go - I did receive the IGF-1 test which came back at 331. Normal range for an 18 year old is somewhere around 144 - 496 so that checked out fine.

The TMJ definitely could be a culprit I suppose. One side of my face is more pronounced than the other and it's been like this for years. Another thing I noticed is I have a very long face.

So yes, I still am experiencing symptoms but I think it may be anxiety. The doc said there is no need to retest so I unless I physically out grow my shoes I probably won't pursue it further. I'll probably end up getting an MRI done to be completely safe.