Which endocrine disorder is characterized by excessive growth hormone production after the epiphyses have closed?

The disorder characterized by excessive growth hormone production after the epiphyses have closed is acromegaly. This condition typically arises in adulthood when the growth plates have completed their fusion, which leads to an overproduction of growth hormone, often due to a benign tumor of the pituitary gland known as an adenoma.

In acromegaly, the increased levels of growth hormone trigger the liver to secrete insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which promotes the growth of bones and soft tissues. This results in notable changes such as enlargement of the hands and feet, facial changes (such as a larger jaw and nose), and thickened skin. Because this overproduction occurs after normal growth has ceased, it leads to the characteristic symptoms of acromegaly without the associated height increase seen in children or adolescents.

Understanding the other choices provides clarity around the condition being examined. Hypopituitarism refers to decreased production of one or more pituitary hormones, leading to various hormonal deficiencies, while diabetes insipidus results from insufficient production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), causing excessive thirst and urination. Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excessive cortisol production, leading to different symptoms such as weight gain, hypertension,