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Amenorrhea and "man hands"
Henry Bohler1, Carreen Attaway-Drake1
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.
Fertility and Sterility
|March 23, 2010
Summary
This case study highlights a 36-year-old woman with amenorrhea and hyperhidrosis. Elevated growth hormone and IGF-1, alongside a pituitary macroadenoma, indicated acromegaly.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder caused by excessive growth hormone (GH) production, typically from a pituitary adenoma.
- Symptoms can be subtle and develop gradually, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old multiparous woman experienced 6 months of amenorrhea and hyperhidrosis.
- Physical examination revealed characteristic features including large, stubby fingers and toes with soft tissue thickening.
Findings:
- Laboratory tests showed elevated serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels.
- Computerized tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of a pituitary macroadenoma, the likely source of hormone overproduction.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing clinical signs of acromegaly for timely diagnosis and management.
- Pituitary macroadenomas require prompt evaluation and treatment to prevent long-term complications associated with excess GH secretion.
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