Hypothalamic dysfunction

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Central nervous system

Treatment depends on the cause of the hypothalamic dysfunction. Surgery or radiation may be needed to treat tumors. Specific treatment for bleeding infection and other causes may be available. Hormonal deficiencies are treated by replacing the missing hormones.

Many causes of hypothalamic dysfunction are treatable and most of the time hormone deficiencies can be replaced.

Complications of hypothalamic dysfunction depend on the cause. Complications of brain tumors include permanent blindness or vision disorders and specific dysfunctions related to the brain area where the tumor occurs. Hypothyroidism may increase cholesterol and the risk of heart problems. Adrenal insufficiency may lead to an inability to deal with stress (such as surgery or infection).

Gonadal deficiency may lead to infertility, increased risk for heart disease and osteoporosis (thin bones) in women; and impotence, infertility and osteoporosis in men. Growth hormone deficiency can cause weakness, increased cholesterol and osteoporosis as well. In children, growth hormone deficiency causes short stature.

Call your doctor if you note headaches, visual problems, or any of the symptoms of hormonal deficiency or excess.

Review Date: 05/12/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.