Hypothalamic dysfunction

Symptoms generally relate to the hormones that are missing. In children, there may be growth problems -- either too much growth or too little -- or puberty that occurs too early or too late.

Tumor symptoms:

• Headaches
• Loss of vision

Hypothyroidism symptoms:

• Breast enlargement
• Cold intolerance
• Fatigue
• Hair or skin changes
• Impotence
• Loss of body hair and muscle (in men)
• Menstrual disturbance
• Weight gain

Low adrenal function symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Weakness

Other, less common symptoms may include:

• Body temperature disturbance
• Emotional abnormalities
• 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

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)