Acromegaly. Artwork illustrating the outward signs of the growth disorder acromegaly, including large hands and feet, and heavy and coarse set facial features. Acromegaly is caused by excessive production of growth hormone (GH), also called somatotrophin (STH), which is normally produced and regulated by the anterior pituitary gland. The overproduction of GH is usually due to a benign tumour in this region. The condition can be controlled today with drugs, or the tumour can be surgically removed or treated by radiotherapy.