Acromegaly is the excessive production of growth hormone, which continues to be produced well into adulthood. In adults it is involved in regulatory functions in the body, but since the growth plates are closed, excessive levels cause abnormal growth of hands, feet, and internal organs.
Since pituitary tumors are the most common cause of this condition, other areas controlled by the pituitary are often affected (such as Prolactin and thyroid hormones).
In children, excess growth hormone causes increased height known as gigantism.
