Hypothalamic Disorders

One of the most common symptoms associated with hypothalamic disorders include frequent headaches, cold intolerance and fatigue. To know about causes of hypothalamic disorders, read on...

Doctors have studied the human brain and have come to the conclusion that each part of the brain is assigned with a specific task. Hypothalamus is a small cone shaped region within the brain that does a very important job of controlling different metabolic processes of our body. The pituitary gland in the brain, also referred to as master gland, regulates functions of thyroid and adrenal gland. However, the pituitary gland is in complete control of the hypothalamus. When this area of the brain does not function properly, the person is said to suffer from hypothalamic disorders. Read more on hypothalamus function.

Hypothalamic Dysfunction

From controlling the temperature of the body to producing thyroid hormones, the hypothalamus certainly plays a very important role to ensure normal functioning of the body. The hypothalamus also regulates other important mechanisms of the body such as thirst, hunger and sleep. So, one can imagine how the body will react, when hypothalamus fails to function correctly. Read more on hypothalamus gland.

Causes of Hypothalamic Disorders

There are quite a few factors that can cause hypothalamic disorders. For instance, excessive dietary iron in the diet can trigger this problem. Some of the culprits behind hypothalamic dysfunction are given below:

Malnutrition

When the body is deprived of essential nutrients, it can interfere with the normal functioning of the hypothalamus. Poor nutrition can certainly put a person in the risk zone of hypothalamic disorders.

Trauma

A trauma such as an accident that affects the head can also lead to hypothalamic dysfunction. A traumatic brain injury from an external force causes too much bleeding and can eventually lead to hypothalamic disorders.

Anorexia

Anorexia is a eating disorder in which the person consumes very less amount of food. People with anorexia are obsessed about losing weight and adopt extreme measures to stay thin. This can cause malnourishment and eventually lead to anorexia nervosa and hypothalamic dysfunction.

Tumors

Hypothalamic disorders can also occur as a consequence of tumors occurring inside the hypothalamus. Also, referred as hypothalamic tumor, the unwanted growth can decrease blood flow to the hypothalamus. Read more on brain tumors.

Symptoms of Hypothalamic Disorders

A person may experience wide range of health problems, depending upon what has caused hypothalamic disorders. Some of them are given below:

Headaches and Vision Problems

Development of brain tumor within or near the hypothalamus can lead to frequent episodes of headache. Impaired vision is yet another problem that accompanies headaches.

Hypothyroidism Problems

Hypothalamic disorders can have a negative impact on the pituitary glands. This is because the hypothalamus is chiefly responsible for controlling the function of the pituitary gland. This negative impact can trickle down to the thyroid glands as their working is regulated by the pituary glands. The thyroid glands that produce hormones are no longer able to produce them in sufficient amounts. This is known as hypothyroidism and can cause the following health issues:

Constipation

Fatigue

Weight gain

Body hair loss

Hoarse voice

Impotence

Disturbances in menstrual cycle

Adrenal Dysfunction

As pituitary glands also hold the 'reins' of adrenal gland, hypothalamic disorders can lower the efficiency of adrenal function. This can lead to overall weakness and the person may experience a feeling similar to vertigo.

Altered Body Temperature

Another important task assigned to hypothalamus is to control the body temperature. However, with the onset of hypothalamus dysfunction, regulating body temperature is no longer possible. Fluctuations in normal body temperature is one of the most common symptoms of hypothalamic disorders.

Other infrequent symptoms observed in people diagnosed with hypothalamus disorders are inability to control the process of urinating, excessive thirst, obesity and emotional disturbance. These symptoms are less common and the ones that are commonly associated with hypothalamus disorders are hypothyroidism problems.

Hypothalamic Disorders in Children

Hypothalamic dysfunction in children can make them hyperactive. Lack of proper growth is also observed in these children. These children affected with hypothalamic disorders are at a high risk of stunted growth. In addition, they may also suffer from frequent headaches and vomiting.

What has caused hypothalamic disorders has to be first determined in order to restore normal health. Hypothalamic disorders treatment involves correcting the underlying cause to restore normal hypothalamic function. If tumor is the culprit behind malfunctioning of the hypothalamus, then surgery may be performed to remove unwanted growth. Having a well balanced diet is the easiest way to overcome malnourishment, which will in turn help to reduce symptoms of hypothalamic disorders.