Most patients die about the age of 60 years. It is a long-lasting disease with slow progress, sometimes burning out. Most patients tolerate it reasonably well. Excessive sweating is sometimes caused by hyperthyroidism. Sweating can be oily and have an unpleasant odour.
Patients suffer from high blood pressure.
The growth of all extremities after adult age causes also the vertebrae to extend and the spine to curve. This extension can cause pain as the nerves suffer pressure. Especially typical is the enlargement of the fingers and the dough like feeling of the palms when shaking hands. Psychologically patients suffer initially from depression, brooding and irritability, also an increase of appetite and a loss of libido. Some patients are anxious and are lacking in self-confidence.