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Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that produces hormones that regulate:

  • Body temperature
  • Heart rate
  • Hunger
  • Mood
  • Release of hormones from many glands, especially the pituitary gland
  • Sex drive
  • Sleep
  • Thirst

Information

HYPOTHALAMIC DISEASE

Hypothalamic dysfunction can occur as a result of diseases, including:

  • Genetic causes (often present at birth or during childhood)
  • Infection or inflammation
  • Injury as a result of trauma, surgery or radiation

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHALAMIC DISEASE

Because the hypothalamus regulates 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
Review Date: 4/24/2025

Reviewed By

Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

References

Christian HC. Anatomy and physiology of the hypothalamus and pituitary. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 13.

Hafida S, Apovian CM. Obesity and neuroendocrine control of energy stores. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Rosen CJ, Kopp PA, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 40.

Weiss RE. Neuroendocrinology and the neuroendocrine system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 204.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Brain-thyroid link - Illustration Thumbnail

Brain-thyroid link

Although the thyroid gland releases the hormones which govern growth and metabolism, the brain (the pituitary and the hypothalamus) manages the release and the balance of the amount of hormones circulated.

Illustration

Hypothalamus - Illustration Thumbnail

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a highly complex structure in the brain that regulates many important brain chemicals. Malfunction of this area of the brain may affect basic functions like sleep, appetite, and temperature.

Illustration

 
 
Brain-thyroid link - Illustration Thumbnail

Brain-thyroid link

Although the thyroid gland releases the hormones which govern growth and metabolism, the brain (the pituitary and the hypothalamus) manages the release and the balance of the amount of hormones circulated.

Illustration

Hypothalamus - Illustration Thumbnail

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a highly complex structure in the brain that regulates many important brain chemicals. Malfunction of this area of the brain may affect basic functions like sleep, appetite, and temperature.

Illustration

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
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