Hypothalamic dysfunction
Hypothalamic 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.
Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that produces hormones that control:Body temperatureHeart rateHungerMoodRelease of hormones from many glands...
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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:
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Adrenal glands
Adrenal glands
The adrenal glands are two small triangle-shaped glands in the upper abdomen. One gland is located on top of each kidney.
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Testes
Testes
The testes are 2 egg-shaped male reproductive organs located in the scrotum. They produce sperm and the male hormone, testosterone.
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There are many causes of hypothalamic dysfunction. The most common are:
- Surgery
- Brain injury
- Brain tumors
- Radiation treatment to the brain
Other causes include:
- Nutrition problems, such as eating disorders (anorexia), extreme weight loss
Anorexia
Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes people to weigh less than is considered healthy for their age and height, usually by excessive weight loss...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Blood vessel problems in the brain, such as aneurysm, pituitary apoplexy, subarachnoid hemorrhage
Aneurysm
An 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...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticlePituitary apoplexy
Pituitary apoplexy is a rare, but serious condition of the pituitary gland.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSubarachnoid hemorrhage
Subarachnoid 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 syndrome
Prader-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 ArticleDiabetes insipidus
Diabetes 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...
Read 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.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid....
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleFatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleWeight gain
Obesity 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...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleIf 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
Cortisol
The cortisol blood test measures the level of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol is a steroid (glucocorticoid or corticosteroid) hormone produced by th...
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Growth hormone
Growth hormone
The growth hormone test measures the amount of growth hormone in the blood. The pituitary gland makes growth hormone, which causes a child to grow. ...
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Prolactin
Prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland. The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin in the blood.
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Testosterone
Testosterone
A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone. The test described...
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- Sodium
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Blood and urine osmolality
Blood
Osmolality 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...
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The osmolality urine test measures the concentration of chemicals in urine. Osmolality in the blood can be measured using a blood test.
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Other possible tests include:
- Hormone injections followed by timed blood samples
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MRI or CT scans of the brain
MRI
A head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...
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A head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.
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Visual field eye exam (if there is a tumor)
Visual field eye exam
The 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...
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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 TUMORS
- Permanent blindness
- Problems related to the brain area where the tumor occurs
- Vision disorders
- Problems controlling salt and water balance
HYPOTHYROIDISM
- Heart problems
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High cholesterol
High cholesterol
Cholesterol 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...
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ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY
- Inability to deal with stress (such as surgery or infection), which can be life threatening by causing low blood pressure
SEX GLAND DEFICIENCY
- Heart disease
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Erection problems
Erection problems
An 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 ...
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Infertility
Infertility
Infertility means you cannot get pregnant (conceive). There are 2 types of infertility:Primary infertility refers to couples who have not become preg...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Thin bones (osteoporosis)
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Problems breast feeding
- Problems with uterine contractions during delivery
GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY
- High cholesterol
- Osteoporosis
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Short stature (in children)
Short stature
A 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 ...
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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.
References
Giustina 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.
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Hypothalamus - 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.
Hypothalamus
illustration
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.