Acromegaly
Diagnosis
To diagnose acromegaly, a doctor measures the growth hormone level in the blood to determine if it's elevated. Because the level of growth hormone can vary widely throughout the day, the level must be measured over an extended period of time.
Doctors also may measure what's called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which the body produces in an attempt to suppress the growth hormone.
After acromegaly has been diagnosed by blood tests, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan of the pituitary is used to locate the tumor causing the overproduction of growth hormone.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.