BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuHypothalamic dysfunctionHypothalamic syndromesHypothalamic dysfunction is a problem with part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus helps control the pituitary gland and regulates many body functions.HypothalamusThe hypothalamus is an area of the brain that produces hormones that control:Body temperatureHeart rateHungerMoodRelease of hormones from many glands...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes The hypothalamus helps keep the body's internal functions in balance. It helps regulate:Appetite and weight Body temperature Childbirth Emotions, behavior, memory Growth Production of breast milk Salt and water balance Sex drive Sleep-wake cycle and the body clock Another important function of the hypothalamus is to control the pituitary gland. The pituitary is a small gland at the base of the brain. It lies just below the hypothalamus. The pituitary, in turn, controls the:Adrenal glands Adrenal glandsThe adrenal glands are two small triangle-shaped glands in the upper abdomen. One gland is located on top of each kidney.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ovaries Testes TestesThe testes are 2 egg-shaped male reproductive organs located in the scrotum. They produce sperm and the male hormone, testosterone.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid gland There are many causes of hypothalamic dysfunction. The most common are:Surgery Brain injury Brain tumors Radiation treatment to the brainOther causes include: Nutrition problems, such as eating disorders (anorexia), extreme weight loss AnorexiaAnorexia is an eating disorder that causes people to weigh less than is considered healthy for their age and height, usually by excessive weight loss...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood vessel problems in the brain, such as aneurysm, pituitary apoplexy, subarachnoid hemorrhage AneurysmAn aneurysm is a weak area in the wall of a blood vessel that causes the blood vessel to bulge or balloon out. When an aneurysm occurs in a blood ve...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pituitary apoplexyPituitary apoplexy is a rare, but serious condition of the pituitary gland.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Subarachnoid hemorrhageSubarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover the brain. This area is called the subarachnoid sp...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic disorders, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, familial diabetes insipidus, Kallmann syndrome Prader-Willi syndromePrader-Willi syndrome is a disease that is present from birth (congenital). It affects many parts of the body. People with this condition feel hung...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Diabetes insipidusDiabetes insipidus (DI) is an uncommon condition in which the kidneys are unable to prevent the excretion of water. DI is not the same as diabetes me...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections and swelling (inflammation) due to certain immune system diseases Symptoms Symptoms are usually due to the hormones or brain signals that are missing. In children, there may be growth problems, either too much or too little growth. In other children, puberty occurs too early or too late.Tumor symptoms may include headache or loss of vision.If the thyroid is affected, there may be symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Symptoms may include feeling cold all the time, constipation, fatigue, or weight gain, among others.HypothyroidismHypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Weight gainObesity means weighing more than what is healthy for a given height. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease. It can lead to other health problems, i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If the adrenal glands are affected, there may be symptoms of low adrenal function. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, weight loss, and lack of interest in activities. Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms.Blood or urine tests may be ordered to determine levels of hormones such as:Cortisol CortisolThe cortisol blood test measures the level of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is a steroid (glucocorticoid or corticosteroid) hormone produced by th...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Estrogen Growth hormone Growth hormoneThe growth hormone test measures the amount of growth hormone in the blood. The pituitary gland makes growth hormone, which causes a child to grow. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pituitary hormones Prolactin ProlactinProlactin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland. The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin in the blood.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Testosterone TestosteroneA testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone. The test described...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid Sodium Blood and urine osmolalityBloodOsmolality blood test is a test that measures the concentration of all chemical particles found in the fluid part of blood. Osmolality in the urine c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article UrineThe osmolality urine test measures the concentration of chemicals in urine. Osmolality in the blood can be measured using a blood test.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other possible tests include:Hormone injections followed by timed blood samples MRI or CT scans of the brain MRIA head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CTA head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Visual field eye exam (if there is a tumor)Visual field eye examThe visual field refers to the total area in which objects can be seen in the side (peripheral) vision as you focus your eyes on a central point. Thi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment depends on the cause of the hypothalamic dysfunction:For tumors, surgery or radiation may be needed. For hormonal deficiencies, missing hormones need to be replaced by taking medicine. This is effective for pituitary problems and for salt and water balance. Medicines are usually not effective for changes in temperature or sleep regulation. Some medicines may help with problems related to appetite regulation and weight gain. Outlook (Prognosis) Many causes of hypothalamic dysfunction are treatable or reversible. Most of the time, missing hormones can be replaced. Possible Complications Complications of hypothalamic dysfunction depend on the cause.BRAIN TUMORSPermanent blindness Problems related to the brain area where the tumor occurs Vision disorders Problems controlling salt and water balanceHYPOTHYROIDISMHeart problems High cholesterolHigh cholesterolCholesterol is a fat (also called a lipid) that your body needs to work properly. Too much bad cholesterol in your blood can increase your chance of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCYInability to deal with stress (such as surgery or infection), which can be life threatening by causing low blood pressureSEX GLAND DEFICIENCYHeart disease Erection problems Erection problemsAn erection problem occurs when a man cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for intercourse. You may not be able to get an erection at ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infertility InfertilityInfertility means you cannot get pregnant (conceive). There are 2 types of infertility:Primary infertility refers to couples who have not become preg...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thin bones (osteoporosis) OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Problems breast feeding Problems with uterine contractions during deliveryGROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCYHigh cholesterol Osteoporosis Short stature (in children) Short statureA child who has short stature is much shorter than children who are the same age and sex. Your health care provider will go over your child's growth ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weakness When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have:Headaches Symptoms of hormone excess or deficiency Vision problems Prevention If you have symptoms of a hormonal deficiency, discuss replacement therapy with your provider.Open ReferencesReferencesGiustina A, Allora A, Frara S, Spina A, Mortini P. The hypothalamus. In: Melmed S, ed. The Pituitary. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 9.Weiss RE. Neuroendocrinology and the neuroendocrine system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 204.AllVideoImagesTogHypothalamus - illustration The hypothalamus is a highly complex structure in the brain that regulates many important brain chemicals. Malfunction of this area of the brain may affect basic functions like sleep, appetite, and temperature.HypothalamusillustrationHypothalamus - illustration The hypothalamus is a highly complex structure in the brain that regulates many important brain chemicals. Malfunction of this area of the brain may affect basic functions like sleep, appetite, and temperature.HypothalamusillustrationRelated Information Hypothalamus(Special Topic)Anorexia(Condition)Bulimia(Condition)Eating disorders - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 5/12/2023 Reviewed By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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Hypothalamic dysfunctionHypothalamic syndromesHypothalamic dysfunction is a problem with part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus helps control the pituitary gland and regulates many body functions.HypothalamusThe hypothalamus is an area of the brain that produces hormones that control:Body temperatureHeart rateHungerMoodRelease of hormones from many glands...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes The hypothalamus helps keep the body's internal functions in balance. It helps regulate:Appetite and weight Body temperature Childbirth Emotions, behavior, memory Growth Production of breast milk Salt and water balance Sex drive Sleep-wake cycle and the body clock Another important function of the hypothalamus is to control the pituitary gland. The pituitary is a small gland at the base of the brain. It lies just below the hypothalamus. The pituitary, in turn, controls the:Adrenal glands Adrenal glandsThe adrenal glands are two small triangle-shaped glands in the upper abdomen. One gland is located on top of each kidney.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ovaries Testes TestesThe testes are 2 egg-shaped male reproductive organs located in the scrotum. They produce sperm and the male hormone, testosterone.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid gland There are many causes of hypothalamic dysfunction. The most common are:Surgery Brain injury Brain tumors Radiation treatment to the brainOther causes include: Nutrition problems, such as eating disorders (anorexia), extreme weight loss AnorexiaAnorexia is an eating disorder that causes people to weigh less than is considered healthy for their age and height, usually by excessive weight loss...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood vessel problems in the brain, such as aneurysm, pituitary apoplexy, subarachnoid hemorrhage AneurysmAn aneurysm is a weak area in the wall of a blood vessel that causes the blood vessel to bulge or balloon out. When an aneurysm occurs in a blood ve...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pituitary apoplexyPituitary apoplexy is a rare, but serious condition of the pituitary gland.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Subarachnoid hemorrhageSubarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover the brain. This area is called the subarachnoid sp...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic disorders, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, familial diabetes insipidus, Kallmann syndrome Prader-Willi syndromePrader-Willi syndrome is a disease that is present from birth (congenital). It affects many parts of the body. People with this condition feel hung...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Diabetes insipidusDiabetes insipidus (DI) is an uncommon condition in which the kidneys are unable to prevent the excretion of water. DI is not the same as diabetes me...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections and swelling (inflammation) due to certain immune system diseases Symptoms Symptoms are usually due to the hormones or brain signals that are missing. In children, there may be growth problems, either too much or too little growth. In other children, puberty occurs too early or too late.Tumor symptoms may include headache or loss of vision.If the thyroid is affected, there may be symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Symptoms may include feeling cold all the time, constipation, fatigue, or weight gain, among others.HypothyroidismHypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Weight gainObesity means weighing more than what is healthy for a given height. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease. It can lead to other health problems, i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article If the adrenal glands are affected, there may be symptoms of low adrenal function. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, weight loss, and lack of interest in activities. Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms.Blood or urine tests may be ordered to determine levels of hormones such as:Cortisol CortisolThe cortisol blood test measures the level of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is a steroid (glucocorticoid or corticosteroid) hormone produced by th...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Estrogen Growth hormone Growth hormoneThe growth hormone test measures the amount of growth hormone in the blood. The pituitary gland makes growth hormone, which causes a child to grow. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pituitary hormones Prolactin ProlactinProlactin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland. The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin in the blood.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Testosterone TestosteroneA testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone. The test described...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Thyroid Sodium Blood and urine osmolalityBloodOsmolality blood test is a test that measures the concentration of all chemical particles found in the fluid part of blood. Osmolality in the urine c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article UrineThe osmolality urine test measures the concentration of chemicals in urine. Osmolality in the blood can be measured using a blood test.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other possible tests include:Hormone injections followed by timed blood samples MRI or CT scans of the brain MRIA head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CTA head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Visual field eye exam (if there is a tumor)Visual field eye examThe visual field refers to the total area in which objects can be seen in the side (peripheral) vision as you focus your eyes on a central point. Thi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment depends on the cause of the hypothalamic dysfunction:For tumors, surgery or radiation may be needed. For hormonal deficiencies, missing hormones need to be replaced by taking medicine. This is effective for pituitary problems and for salt and water balance. Medicines are usually not effective for changes in temperature or sleep regulation. Some medicines may help with problems related to appetite regulation and weight gain. Outlook (Prognosis) Many causes of hypothalamic dysfunction are treatable or reversible. Most of the time, missing hormones can be replaced. Possible Complications Complications of hypothalamic dysfunction depend on the cause.BRAIN TUMORSPermanent blindness Problems related to the brain area where the tumor occurs Vision disorders Problems controlling salt and water balanceHYPOTHYROIDISMHeart problems High cholesterolHigh cholesterolCholesterol is a fat (also called a lipid) that your body needs to work properly. Too much bad cholesterol in your blood can increase your chance of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCYInability to deal with stress (such as surgery or infection), which can be life threatening by causing low blood pressureSEX GLAND DEFICIENCYHeart disease Erection problems Erection problemsAn erection problem occurs when a man cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for intercourse. You may not be able to get an erection at ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infertility InfertilityInfertility means you cannot get pregnant (conceive). There are 2 types of infertility:Primary infertility refers to couples who have not become preg...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Thin bones (osteoporosis) OsteoporosisOsteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Problems breast feeding Problems with uterine contractions during deliveryGROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCYHigh cholesterol Osteoporosis Short stature (in children) Short statureA child who has short stature is much shorter than children who are the same age and sex. Your health care provider will go over your child's growth ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Weakness When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have:Headaches Symptoms of hormone excess or deficiency Vision problems Prevention If you have symptoms of a hormonal deficiency, discuss replacement therapy with your provider.Open ReferencesReferencesGiustina A, Allora A, Frara S, Spina A, Mortini P. The hypothalamus. In: Melmed S, ed. The Pituitary. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 9.Weiss RE. Neuroendocrinology and the neuroendocrine system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 204.