What condition is caused by excess growth hormone in adults?

Excess growth hormone in adults leads to acromegaly, which is characterized by the enlargement of bones and tissues. This condition typically arises due to a benign tumor on the pituitary gland, known as an adenoma, that produces an overabundance of growth hormone. The effects of acromegaly are often gradual and can cause features such as enlarged hands and feet, facial changes (such as a protruding jaw), and thickened skin. If untreated, this excess growth hormone can also result in various health complications, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and joint problems.

In contrast, dwarfism is a condition typically related to insufficient growth hormone during childhood, leading to stunted growth rather than excessive growth. Diabetes mellitus is related to insulin regulation and not directly to growth hormone levels, while Cushing's syndrome involves excess cortisol, not growth hormone. Therefore, understanding the role of growth hormone in adults and its pathophysiological consequences highlights why acromegaly is the correct answer to this question.