Which of the following is a common physical change seen in acromegaly due to excess growth hormone?

Which of the following is a common physical change seen in acromegaly due to excess growth hormone?

• A. Hair loss
• B. Hypotension
• C. Nausea
• D. Enlarged face, hands, and feet

Answer: (D)

Excess growth hormone in adulthood leads to acromegaly, where bones and soft tissues thicken and enlarge rather than getting taller. That overgrowth most noticeably shows up as an enlarged face, hands, and feet, since the facial bones, jaw, and soft tissues like the tongue and skin respond to GH via IGF-1. This gradual change is the classic, common physical finding in acromegaly. The other options aren’t characteristic features: hair loss, low blood pressure, or nausea aren’t typical manifestations of excess GH in this context.

Excess growth hormone in adulthood leads to acromegaly, where bones and soft tissues thicken and enlarge rather than getting taller. That overgrowth most noticeably shows up as an enlarged face, hands, and feet, since the facial bones, jaw, and soft tissues like the tongue and skin respond to GH via IGF-1. This gradual change is the classic, common physical finding in acromegaly. The other options aren’t characteristic features: hair loss, low blood pressure, or nausea aren’t typical manifestations of excess GH in this context.