Symptoms:

Symptoms are usually due to the hormones that are missing. In children, there may be growth problems -- either too much or too little growth -- or puberty that occurs too early or too late.

Tumor symptoms:

• Headaches
• Loss of vision

Hypothyroidism symptoms:

• Cold intolerance
• Constipation
• Depressed mood
• Fatigue
• Hair or skin changes
• Hoarseness
• Impotence
• Loss of body hair and muscle (in men)
• Mental slowing
• Menstrual cycle changes
• Weight gain

Low adrenal function symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Weakness

Other, less common symptoms may include:

• Body temperature problems
• Emotional problems
• Excess thirst
• Obesity
• Uncontrolled urination

Kallmann's syndrome (a type of hypothalamic dysfunction that occurs in men) symptoms:

• Lowered function of sexual hormones (hypogonadism)
• Inability to smell

Signs and tests:

Blood or urine tests to determine levels of hormones such as:

• Cortisol
• Estrogen
• Growth hormone
• Pituitary hormones
• Prolactin
• Testosterone
• Thyroid

Other possible tests:

• Hormone injections followed by timed blood samples
• MRI or CT scans of the brain
• Visual field eye exam (if there is a tumor)

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the cause of the hypothalamic dysfunction.

• Tumors -- surgery or radiation
• Hormonal deficiencies -- replace missing hormones

Specific treatments may be available for bleeding, infection, and other causes.

Expectations (prognosis):

Many causes of hypothalamic dysfunction are treatable. Most of the time missing hormones can be replaced.

Complications:

Complications of hypothalamic dysfunction depend on the cause.

Brain tumors:

• Permanent blindness
• Specific problems related to the brain area where the tumor occurs
• Vision disorders

Hypothyroidism:

• Heart problems
• High cholesterol

Adrenal insufficiency:

• Inability to deal with stress (such as surgery or infection)

Gonadal deficiency:

• Heart disease
• Impotence (in men)
• Infertility
• Thin bones (osteoporosis)

Growth hormone deficiency:

• High cholesterol
• Osteoporosis
• Short stature (in children)
• Weakness

Calling your health care provider:

Call your doctor if you have:

• Headaches
• Symptoms of hormone excess or deficiency
• Vision problems

Prevention:

Maintain a healthy diet and don't exercise too strenuously or lose weight too quickly. If you believe you have an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, get medical attention: these conditions can be life-threatening.

If you have symptoms of a hormonal deficiency, discuss replacement therapy with your health care provider.