What condition is caused by abnormal secretion of growth hormone?

The condition caused by abnormal secretion of growth hormone is acromegaly. Acromegaly typically occurs in adults and results from excessive growth hormone production, usually due to a benign tumor in the pituitary gland. This overproduction leads to the enlargement of bones and body tissues, particularly noticeable in the hands, feet, and face.

In contrast, gigantism is another condition related to excess growth hormone; however, it occurs in children before the growth plates close, leading to abnormal height and proportional growth. Hypopituitarism refers to the insufficient secretion of one or more hormones from the pituitary gland, which is not related to excess growth hormone. Dwarfism, on the other hand, is generally associated with insufficient growth hormone or other genetic factors leading to reduced growth rather than its excess. Thus, acromegaly distinctly characterizes abnormal growth hormone secretion in adults.