Acromegaly and fertility
Acromegaly can lower a person’s fertility because the tumour in the pituitary gland may affect the production of hormones involved in the ability to conceive and a person’s sexual desire.
In addition, the presence of a pituitary tumour can cause changes in women’s menstrual cycle. Women may find that they have irregular periods, which may make it harder for women with acromegaly to get pregnant.
Although acromegaly can lead to fertility problems, it is still possible to conceive and get pregnant.
Remember your fertility reduces 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.
Talk to your doctor about any changes in your sexual desire or menstruation, particularly if these continue following your treatment for acromegaly. They may be able to prescribe treatment that can help. Your doctor or another healthcare professional specialising in fertility can also provide advice on ways to help improve your overall fertility and can advise you of any potential risks associated with acromegaly treatments.
Acromegaly and pregnancy
It is important to discuss and plan your pregnancy with your specialist doctor as your acromegaly treatment may need to be altered prior to you trying to conceive.
Your specialist doctor will 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. He or she will also 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.
As acromegaly is a chronic condition, your doctor may decide to leave it untreated during your pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding. This is not thought to have any adverse effects on the management of your acromegaly over the long term.
Importantly, most pregnancies in women with acromegaly progress without complications, and with the delivery of healthy infants.
Being diagnosed with acromegaly while pregnant is rare.
