Acromegaly and fertility/pregnancy
Acromegaly tends to be diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50 years, when men and many women are still well within their reproductive years and may have a desire to start or extend their families. The ability to conceive or get pregnant also depends on what stage in life you and your partner are at, as fertility naturally declines with age.
Here you’ll find information about acromegaly and fertility and acromegaly and pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor if you would like further information about your fertility or becoming pregnant if you have been diagnosed with acromegaly.
Support groups
Find an acromegaly patient support group in your country to learn about local activities and events that you may be able to attend.
Acromegaly and fertility
Although acromegaly can lead to fertility problems in some men and women, it is often still possible to conceive and get pregnant.
Remember your fertility decreases as you get older, regardless of whether or not you have acromegaly, and so, it may take a little more time if you or your partner are in your 40s than if you are both in your early 30s.
Your doctor, or another healthcare professional specializing in fertility, can provide advice on other ways or treatments to help improve your or your partner’s overall fertility. They can also advise of any potential risks associated with acromegaly medications.
How does acromegaly affect fertility?
Acromegaly can lower a person’s fertility because the tumour in the pituitary gland is not only altering levels of growth hormone in the body, but also affecting the production of other hormones that are involved in the ability to conceive and a person’s libido.
In addition, the presence of a pituitary tumour in women can cause menstrual cycle changes. Women may find that they have irregular periods, which of course will make it much harder for women with acromegaly to get pregnant than someone who does not have acromegaly.
However, talk to your endocrinologist or general practitioner about any changes in libido or menstruation you experience.
Acromegaly and pregnancy
Being diagnosed with acromegaly while pregnant tends to be a rare occurrence.
Your specialist doctor will advise on monitoring growth hormone levels during your pregnancy, and if this needs to be changed in any way. He or she will also tell you about any potential risks of acromegaly medication you may be using, and if an alteration in your acromegaly treatment is needed while you are pregnant.
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Practical tips and tools
Read practical tips to help make your life with acromegaly easier, including tips from others living with the condition.
Support groups
Find an acromegaly patient support group in your country to learn about local activities and events that you may be able to attend.
Learn about acromegaly
Learn about acromegaly, including what causes this slowly evolving condition, and the early symptoms and signs.
