Which hormone levels are elevated in patients with acromegaly?

In acromegaly, the primary underlying issue is the excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) typically caused by an adenoma of the pituitary gland. This condition results in elevated levels of growth hormone in the bloodstream. Acromegaly leads to a variety of physical changes, including enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features, as well as metabolic disturbances.

Growth hormone has multiple effects on the body, including stimulating the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which mediates many of GH’s anabolic effects. Thus, while IGF-1 levels may also be elevated in acromegaly, the most direct measurable increase in the context of this question is indeed growth hormone itself. Understanding the role of growth hormone in acromegaly is central to diagnosing and managing this condition effectively.