Question

What Are The Symptoms of a malfunctioning Hypothalamus?

Answer 1

Hypothalamus: It is the small gland that controls all the hormones produced in the body and is located at the basal part of the brain. It is also known as the Master gland since it controls the release of all the hormones in the body.

The symptoms of a malfunctioning hypothalamus are as follows:

1. Delayed puberty: The transition from a young stage to adulthood is controlled by the hormones such as testosterone (males) and estrogen (females). In case the hypothalamus is malfunctioning, there will occur a delay in these hormones, thereby delaying puberty.
2. Insomnia: in this condition, the person will not be able to sleep or does not have enough sleep. The hormone Melatonin (released by the hypothalamus) regulates the sleep cycle and if this is imbalanced it leads to insomnia.
3. Weight gain/loss: the hormone ghrelin leads to hunger. It is released by the hypothalamus. A malfunctioning hypothalamus, will affect ghrelin secretion and lead to either weight loss/gain depending on the up or down-regulation of the hormone.