The name acromegaly comes from the Greek words for "extremities" and "enlargement," reflecting one of its most common symptoms-the abnormal growth of the hands and feet. Swelling of the hands and feet is often an early feature, with patients noticing a change in ring or shoe size, particularly shoe width. Gradually, bone changes alter the patient's facial features: The brow and lower jaw protrude, the nasal bone enlarges, and the teeth space out.

Overgrowth of bone and cartilage often leads to arthritis. When tissue thickens, it may trap nerves, causing carpal tunnel syndrome, which results in numbness and weakness of the hands. Body organs, including the heart, may enlarge.

Other symptoms of acromegaly include
joint aches
thick, coarse, oily skin
skin tags
enlarged lips, nose, and tongue
deepening of the voice due to enlarged sinuses and vocal cords
sleep apnea-breaks in breathing during sleep due to obstruction of the airway
excessive sweating and skin odor
fatigue and weakness
headaches
impaired vision
abnormalities of the menstrual cycle and sometimes breast discharge in women
erectile dysfunction in men
decreased libido