Acromegaly Pituitary Diseases, and Hormonal Disorder Affect ONE IN FIVE

When asked by Meredith Vieira in New York, Tanya Angus explained why she’s decided to tell the public about her condition (ACROMEGALY). It is, she said, “to let others know that it’s out there. It could be hidden, and you wouldn’t even know it until it crawls up on you. You start looking different. It’s easier to catch if you know the symptoms".

Tanya Angus was diagnosed with Acromegaly in her early 20's. Although all signs point to her tumor as having been around a considerable time (and getting constantly 'missed' in Doctor visits for pain, severe headache and growing feet and body) before final confirmation and diagnosis. Tanya's Acromegaly is defined by a benign Pituitary Tumor (Adenoma), which forces her body's 'master gland' to pump out far more growth hormone than is normal. When children are diagnosed with this type of problem, it's mainly called by the term "Gigantism" and growth is for the most part, upward. When a person is diagnosed with this problem after puberty it's called Acromegaly, and signs and symptoms include outward growth. Tanya's growth is both upward and outward.

Although Tanya Angus has a very extreme case of Acromegaly, there are millions of people (one in five) affected by Pituitary and Hormonal diseases/disorders . Current consensus shows that a whopping 16.7% of the population either harbor or develop a Pituitary Tumor. The word is on pituitary tumors and how detecting them early is best for treatment success.

Tanya will tell you that paying attention to your body is the number one key to getting help as soon as possible. Women should pay close attention to their menstrual cycles. A normal cycle is one of the best indicators of a woman's overall health (you might want to re-think taking those prescription drugs that alter your cycle). Both men and women should consult an Endocrinologist if they are experiencing notable growth after the age of 18 in height, hands, feet, thickening of the tongue, separating of teeth and more.