Hypothalamic dysfunction
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.
Causes of Hypothalamic dysfunction
The hypothalamus helps control the pituitary gland, particularly in response to stress. The pituitary, in turn, controls the:
- Adrenal glands
- Ovaries
- Testes
- Thyroid gland
The hypothalamus also helps regulate:
- Body temperature
- Childbirth
- Emotions
- Growth
- Milk production
- Salt and water balance
- Sleep
- Weight and appetite
Causes of hypothalamic dysfunction include:
- Anorexia
- Bleeding
- Bulimia
- Genetic disorders
- Growths (tumors)
- Head trauma
- Infections and swelling (inflammation)
- Malnutrition
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Too much iron
The most common tumors in the area are craniopharyngiomas in children.
Hypothalamic dysfunction Symptoms
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:
- Headaches
- Loss of vision
Hypothyroidism symptoms:
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation
- Depressed mood
- Fatigue
- Hair or skin changes
- Hoarseness
- Impotence
- Loss of body hair and muscle (in men)
- Mental slowing
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Weight gain
Low adrenal function symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
Other, less common symptoms may include:
- Body temperature problems
- Emotional problems
- Excess thirst
- Obesity
- Uncontrolled urination
Kallmann's syndrome (a type of hypothalamic dysfunction that occurs in men) symptoms:
- Lowered function of sexual hormones (hypogonadism)
- Inability to smell
Tests and Exams
Blood or urine tests to determine levels of hormones such as:
- Cortisol
- Estrogen
- Growth hormone
- Pituitary hormones
- Prolactin
- Testosterone
- Thyroid
Other possible tests:
- Hormone injections followed by timed blood samples
- MRI or CT scans of the brain
- Visual field eye exam (if there is a tumor)
Treatment of Hypothalamic dysfunction
Treatment depends on the cause of the hypothalamic dysfunction.
- Tumors -- surgery or radiation
- Hormonal deficiencies -- replace missing hormones
Specific treatments may be available for bleeding, infection, and other causes.
Prognosis (Outlook)
Many causes of hypothalamic dysfunction are treatable. Most of the time missing hormones can be replaced.
Potential Complications
Complications of hypothalamic dysfunction depend on the cause.
Brain tumors:
- Permanent blindness
- Specific problems related to the brain area where the tumor occurs
- Vision disorders
Hypothyroidism:
- Heart problems
- High cholesterol
Adrenal insufficiency:
- Inability to deal with stress (such as surgery or infection)
Gonadal deficiency:
- Heart disease
- Impotence (in men)
- Infertility
- Thin bones (osteoporosis)
Growth hormone deficiency:
- High cholesterol
- Osteoporosis
- Short stature (in children)
- Weakness
When to Contact a Health Professional
Call your doctor if you have:
- Headaches
- Symptoms of hormone excess or deficiency
- Vision problems
Prevention of Hypothalamic dysfunction
Maintain a healthy diet and don't exercise too strenuously 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. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 7.
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Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Copyright 2011 A.D.A.M., Inc.
