Hormones 101
What gland produces human growth hormone (HGH)?
The pituitary gland
HGH is most active during which stage of life?
Childhood
Acromegaly results from an excess of which hormone?
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
What type of doctor specializes in hormone disorders like acromegaly?
Endocrinologist
What hormone regulates metabolism and energy levels?
Thyroid hormone (T3 & T4)
Which system of the body controls hormone production?
The endocrine system
What is the primary function of HGH?
Stimulating growth and cell regeneration
What is the most common cause of acromegaly?
A benign pituitary tumor (adenoma)
What type of scan is used to detect a pituitary tumor?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
What hormone is released in response to stress?
Cortisol
What is the chemical nature of most hormones—protein, lipid, or carbohydrate?
Protein or lipid
What organ does HGH mainly affect to promote growth?
Bones and muscles
In what stage of life does acromegaly typically develop?
Adulthood
What blood test confirms acromegaly by measuring a key growth-related factor?
IGF-1 test
What condition results from too little cortisol production?
Addison’s disease
What part of the brain regulates the pituitary gland?
The hypothalamus
What condition occurs when the pituitary gland produces too little HGH in childhood?
Dwarfism (Growth Hormone Deficiency)
What are two visible symptoms of acromegaly?
Enlarged hands and feet, facial changes (jaw, forehead, nose growth)
What is the most common treatment for acromegaly?
Surgical removal of the pituitary tumor
What feedback mechanism controls most hormone levels in the body?
Negative feedback loop
What hormone opposes the effects of HGH by lowering blood sugar levels?
Insulin
What molecule does HGH stimulate the liver to produce, which promotes growth?
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)
Why doesn’t acromegaly cause extreme height increases like gigantism?
Because growth plates (epiphyseal plates) close after puberty
What medication class can be used to reduce HGH levels in acromegaly?
Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide, lanreotide)
How does HGH abuse in athletes enhance performance but cause health risks?
Increases muscle growth and recovery but can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and acromegaly-like symptoms