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.

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:

• 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

Call your doctor if you have:

• Headaches
• Symptoms of hormone excess or deficiency
• Vision problems