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:

• 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.

Images

Central nervous system

Review Date: 11/23/2009
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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)