What condition is characterized by excess growth hormone from the pituitary gland?

Acromegaly is characterized by excess growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland, typically resulting from a benign tumor called an adenoma. This condition leads to abnormal growth of bones and tissues, most notably affecting the hands, feet, and face. Individuals with acromegaly often exhibit enlarged facial features, including a protruding jaw and enlarged nose, as well as broader hands and feet.

The increase in growth hormone in adults leads to these distinctive physical changes over time, as opposed to other conditions where hormone levels may impact growth patterns differently. In contrast, giantism occurs in children before the growth plates have closed, leading to excessive height and proportional growth, but it is not defined in the same way as acromegaly. Dwarfism and cretinism are related to deficiencies in growth hormone and thyroid hormone respectively, resulting in stunted growth and developmental issues, rather than excessive hormone levels. Thus, acromegaly specifically highlights the consequence of excessive growth hormone in adults, making it the correct answer.