Hypothalamus Function Disorders: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Hypothalamus function disorders can disrupt your everyday life in a negative manner. The hypothalamus is an integral part of the brain that can control several crucial functions in your body. One of the main function is to control your pituitary glands. Subsequently, the pituitary gland is associated with the secretion of important hormones. The hormones are highly significant to maintain the balance in the body. Therefore, hypothalamus function disorders can create problems in the normal functioning of the body. It can result in several health disorders that can cause distress, pain, and other complications in your life. Therefore, you need to know more about the dysfunction of the hypothalamus. Read ahead to get the valuable information that helps you take the adequate measure to overcome the problems.

What Is Hypothalamus?

Before delving deep into the hypothalamus function disorders, you need to understand what hypothalamus is. It will help you understand the gravity of the problem. So, it urges you to take the adequate measure that can bring your life back in track. The hypothalamus is a small region in the brain. It is a vital part that plays a significant role in stimulating the important processes in your body. The hypothalamus is situated between the thalamus and pituitary gland.

The main role of the hypothalamus is to keep your body in a state referred to as homeostasis. It sustains the state as much as possible. Now you may what is homeostasis. So, the balanced state in your body corresponds to good health. Your body always tries to maintain the balance. Confused? Let’s see an example. You feel hunger pangs. Ever wondered the reason behind it? It is the brain’s method of letting you know that your body needs essential nutrients. Hence, the acquiring of the nutrients, your body can maintain the homeostasis.

Essential Functions Of Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is responsible for the major functions in your body. It is achieved by the connection of hypothalamus between the nervous systems and the endocrine systems. Therefore, it plays an important part in the body functions like:

• Maintaining Internal Body Temperature
• Emotions
• Thirst
• Appetite
• Heart Rate
• Weight Control
• Sleep Cycles
• Sex Drive
• Childbirth
• Heart Rate
• Blood Pressure
• Digestive Juices Production
• Body Fluids Balancing

The different system in your body sends signals to the brain indicating the lack of balancing factors. So, the hypothalamus gets the alert and acts accordingly. It addresses the unbalanced factors by sending the right hormones. The necessary hormone’s entry into the bloodstream can help with the homeostasis.

What Is Hypothalamus Function Disorders?

Hypothalamus function disorders refer to the dysfunction of the hypothalamus. Some conditions in your body can lead to the inability of the hypothalamus to function properly. So, it affects the hormone production. The result is your body balance is completely shattered. The abnormal release of the hormones from the pituitary glands can affect the important functions like sleep, thirst, sex drive, etc.

The pituitary gland is one of the most important parts of your endocrine system. The hormones secreted from the gland helps regulate your body functions. And it regular not just one, but numerous functions. As the hypothalamus is the one controlling the gland, the dysfunction can cause severe issues in your body. Depending on the missing hormones, your signs or symptoms can vary.

What Causes Hypothalamus Function Disorders?

Several factors contribute to the hypothalamus function disorders. You need to know about each cause in details to understand how it affects your body. Therefore, the major issues that play part in the hypothalamic dysfunction are:

Stress

Stress is a negative emotion that has the power to change the brain’s functions. It can affect you physically as well as mentally. With excess stress, your body can lose its normal balance. Therefore, stress can play an important role in causing hypothalamus function disorders.

Infections

Some infection can lead to swelling in the brain. It can alter the hypothalamic functions leading to the disorder.

Genetic Disorders

Some people are born with genetic defects that can cause the hypothalamus function disorders.

Tumors

Tumors are the unwanted growth of mass. The malignant or non-malignant in nature tumors in your brain regions have the capability to alter the brain signals. It can also affect the hypothalamus region in the brain. So, it can cause problems in your body.

Head Trauma

Trauma to the head due to accidents or fall can cause problems in your brain. The trauma can result in the changes in the brain region. So, it results in dysfunction.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition is caused when your body does not receive the necessary nutrients to keep the balance in the body. The deprivation of necessary nutrients can cause the alteration in brain functions.

Eating Disorders

The eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia can result in malnutrition leading to hypothalamus function disorders.

Radiation

Radiation therapy offers relief to cancer patients. Radiation therapy can stop and destroy the cancerous tumor from spreading to other parts of the body. The therapy can alter brain functions. The alteration of brain signals can affect the balance in the body. It is one among the downfalls of radiation therapy.

Surgery

The surgery in the brain to remove a tumor or clot can lead to hypothalamus function disorder. While performing brain surgery, your doctor may inform you about the adverse effects associated with it.

Missing Hormones

Missing hormones are responsible for the hypothalamus disorders you may experience. Replacing the hormones can cure the imbalance in the body. So, it aids in fixing the disorder.

Symptoms Of Hypothalamus Function Disorders

Various hypothalamus disorders have symptoms of their own. Depending on the type of disorder, you can experience the symptoms.

Tumor

The tumor growth in your brain can trigger some symptoms in your body. The tumor-related hypothalamus function disorders include:

A headache

With the hypothalamus dysfunction, your brain experiences greater activities. So, it can result in severe headaches.

Vision Loss

The hypothalamus has a connection to the eyes through the retinohypothalamic tracts. Hence, the problem in the hypothalamus can cause vision problems.

Missing Hormones

The hypothalamus dysfunction in your body can cause several issues. The lack of necessary hormones can cause a severe imbalance in your body. Therefore, the main issues associated with it are:

• • Growth-related issues due to the deficiency of hormones like excessive growth or growth retardation.

 

 

• Pregnant women

 

suffering from the issue can have a late delivery or have premature babies.

Hypothyroidism

The abnormal thyroxine levels in your bloodstream can result in it hypothyroidism. Subsequently, it can trigger several complications in your body like:

• • Mood changes (depression)
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Cold Intolerance

 

 

• Hair or Skin

 

changes
• Loss of body muscle
• Male type baldness
• Sudden weight gain

The Other Signs Of Hypothalamus Function Disorders

Apart from the above-mentioned symptoms, you can also experience other signs with the disorder. So, you need to watch out for the following:

• Weakness
• Less Adrenal Activity
• Emotional Problems
• Frequent Urination
• Excessive Thirst
• Inability To Smell
• Feeling Dizzy

The signs are not common. So, the probability to experience such issues are rare compared to the other signs. You need to monitor the signs. Remember it is a serious problem. Therefore, you have to take appropriate action at the right time to avoid other complications.

Complications Of Hypothalamus Function Disorders

Ignoring the issue can result in several complications. The hypothalamus function disorders can become severe depending on the root cause of the problem. So, without proper treatment, you can expect the following complications:

Brain Tumors

Not seeking medical help for your brain tumors can result in severe complication to your health. Hence, you can suffer irreversible issues like:

• Permanent blindness
• Issues with the controlling of water and salt balance
• Permanent problems in the brain area having the tumor
• Other vision problems

Hypothyroidism

The imbalance in the thyroxine levels can cause issues in your body. Medications can control the hypothyroidism from causing severe issues. But, not taking proper treatment can result in the following:

• High Cholesterol
• Heart Problem

Adrenal Insufficiency

The adrenal insufficiency can make you less proficient to handle stress in your life. It can result in the escalation of other problems like infections. The issue can also drop the blood pressure levels. So, the low pressure can prove fatal.

Hormone Deficiency

The imbalance in hormone can cause issues in the regular body functions. It can cause adverse issues in your personal life. So, the problems can result in complications like:

• Erection problems
• Infertility
• Heart Disease
• Problems with giving breast milk to the baby
• Osteoporosis (Thin or brittle bones)
• Short Stature

Diagnosing Hypothalamus Function Disorders

Once you experience the signs or symptoms, it is better to seek medical help. The medical professional can help you understand the actual cause of the hypothalamus function disorders. So, your doctor can suggest the following diagnostic methods to determine the disorder with precision.

Blood Test

The blood test can help measure the hormone levels in the blood. Therefore, the following hormone levels need detection to determine the issue of hypothalamus function disorder.

• Thyroid Levels
• Testosterone
• Pituitary Hormones
• Estrogen
• Growth Hormone
• Cortisol
• Prolactin

Brain Imaging

Brain imaging is necessary to detect the presence of hypothalamus function disorders. So, your doctor can perform the diagnostic to get a clear picture. To get clearer results, your doctor administers hormonal injections. It is followed by imaging tests like brain imaging or MRI.

Visual Field Eye Exam

The diagnostic test can reveal if any tumors cause hypothalamus disorder. The test can offer the measurement of the central as well as peripheral vision. So, with the central and side vision measurement, your doctor can diagnose underlying issues.

Treatment For Hypothalamus Function Disorders

The hypothalamus function disorders vary with the underlying cause. So, depending on the root cause of the problem, the symptoms also differ. Therefore, it is important to diagnose it properly to develop a treatment plan. Seek the assistance of the medical professional to determine the actual cause and associated therapy. With the proper diagnosis, you can ensure the right treatment to overcome the issue. So, the various treatment options available are:

Brain Tumor

If the presence of a tumor in your brain is causing the issue, then you need appropriate treatment immediately. Therefore, the malignant or non-malignant tumor gets treated with surgery or radiation. You have to get proper care and rest during the treatment. The surgery or radiation takes months to heal. So, to avoid the problem affecting you again, you need periodical check-ups.

Hormonal Deficiencies

The blood tests can reveal the deficiency of the hormone in your body. Therefore, the hypothalamus function disorder due to hormonal imbalance is treated with hormone replacement therapy. Your doctor replaces the missing hormones in the body through medications or injections. So, the treatment can show results within days.

Other Causes

Depending on the actual cause of hypothalamus function disorder, the medical professional develop the treatment plan. So, you get treatment according to the issue. Infection, bleeding, or the other causes gets treatment accordingly.

Prevention Of Hypothalamus Function Disorders

Though no home remedies can clear the issue, you can prevent it. By taking adequate steps, you can avoid irritating health disorder.

Healthy Diet

Hypothalamus function disorders can cause irreparable brain damage. So, you need to seek the assistance of the medical professional immediately. But, you can prevent the complication by including a healthy diet. The poor diet can cause malnutrition leading to severe complications. So, it is essential to have a diet rich in nutrients. Consuming more fruits and vegetables can enhance your quality of living. But, you need to avoid certain food items that can cause more harm like:

• Processed food
• Canned Food
• Food containing chemicals or preservatives

The food items having artificial elements can reduce your immunity levels. Hence, it can lead to reduced immunity and other complications including hypothalamus dysfunction.

Active Lifestyle

Certain lifestyle can reduce your health. So, following a good lifestyle can increase immunity levels. It can also boost your quality and quantity of life. Hence, adopting an active lifestyle can reduce obesity. Excessive weight gain can result in hypothalamus function disorders. So, including exercise in the daily routine can make you less prone to health complications.

Eating Disorder

People having eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia have more probability of getting a complication. So, individuals with such issues need to get proper treatment. The conditions need proper management to avoid fatality.

Control Stress

Researched have suggested that hypothalamus function disorders can occur in a stressful environment. If you have a stressful life, then you become more prone to the problem. So, stress is a negative emotion leading to several problems in your life. People living in big cities, working a high-pressure job, less sleep, and no exercise can result in the problem. Therefore, practicing some stress relaxation techniques can enhance your health and boost longevity.

Get Treatment

Hormonal deficiencies like thyroxine problems or other hormonal issues can affect your health. Therefore, you need to consult your doctor to get the hormonal supplements. Taking it with your regular diet can prevent the symptoms of hypothalamus function disorders.

Good Relaxation

Having a good night sleep can help your body relax and heal from any issues. A peaceful sleep can relieve stress and other negativity from your body and keep your mind relaxed. It reduces unnecessary pressure. So, you can avoid unwanted health complications.

Avoid Tobacco/Alcohol

Having bad habits like alcohol or tobacco can increase your chances of brain damage. So, using alcohol or tobacco can affect your health adversely. It leads to complications like hypothalamus dysfunction.

Conclusion

Researches on the topic suggest that many causes leading to the hypothalamus function disorder have a good prognosis. Seeking medical treatment at the right time can help prevent complications. So, the precise diagnosis and right treatment can cure the symptoms. Some serious cases like a tumor can lead to hypothalamus dysfunction. In such cases, you need treatment as quickly as possible. It can help avoid fatal complications. Finding the root cause of the problem is essential to develop an ideal treatment plan.

Hypothalamus is one of the significant parts of the brain. The disorder to the region can lead to several imbalances in your body. Therefore, preventing it by opting a healthy lifestyle and a good diet can improve your quality of life. Get medical help to overcome the problem and ensure a good life.

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