Hypothalamic dysfunction is a problem with the region of the brain called the hypothalamus, which helps control the pituitary gland and regulate many body functions.
The hypothalamus helps control the pituitary gland, particularly in response to stress. The pituitary, in turn, controls the:
The hypothalamus also helps regulate:
Causes of hypothalamic dysfunction include:
The most common tumors in the area are craniopharyngiomas in children.
Symptoms are usually due to the hormones that are missing. In children, there may be growth problems -- either too much or too little growth -- or puberty that occurs too early or too late.
Tumor symptoms:
Hypothyroidism symptoms:
Low adrenal function symptoms:
Other, less common symptoms may include:
Kallmann's syndrome (a type of hypothalamic dysfunction that occurs in men) symptoms:
Blood or urine tests to determine levels of hormones such as:
Other possible tests:
Treatment depends on the cause of the hypothalamic dysfunction.
Specific treatments may be available for bleeding, infection, and other causes.
Many causes of hypothalamic dysfunction are treatable. Most of the time missing hormones can be replaced.
Complications of hypothalamic dysfunction depend on the cause.
Brain tumors:
Hypothyroidism:
Adrenal insufficiency:
Gonadal deficiency:
Growth hormone deficiency:
Call your doctor if you have:
Maintain a healthy diet and don't exercise too hard or lose weight too quickly. If you believe you have an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, get medical attention: these conditions can be life threatening.
If you have symptoms of a hormonal deficiency, discuss replacement therapy with your health care provider.
Low MJ. Neuroendocrinology. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 7.
Updated by: Nancy J. Rennert, MD, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
MedlinePlus Topics
Images
Read More
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.