Hypothalamus

Definition
- The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that produces hormones that control:
  Body temperature
  Hunger
  Mood
  Release of hormones from many glands, especially the pituitary gland
  Sex drive
  Sleep
  Thirst
  Heart rate
Information
- HYPOTHALAMIC DISEASE
  Hypothalamic dysfunction can occur as a result of diseases, including:
  Genetic causes (often present at birth or during childhood)
  Injury as a result of trauma, surgery or radiation
  Infection or inflammation
  SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHALAMIC DISEASE
  Because the hypothalamus controls so many different functions, hypothalamic disease can have many different symptoms, depending on the cause. The most common symptoms are:
  Increased appetite and rapid weight gain
  Extreme thirst and frequent urination (diabetes insipidus)
  Low body temperature
  Slow heart rate
References
- Giustina A, Braunstein GD. Hypothalamic syndromes. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 10.
  Hall JE. Pituitary hormones and their control by the hypothalamus. In: Hall JE, ed. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 76.

UF Health Jacksonville, University of Florida Health