Hypothalamus / Pituitary /
Pineal Dysfunction
  Hypothalamus/Pituitary/Pineal Balance
 Signs and symptoms
 Conditions that suggest it
 Contributing risk factors
 



Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction: Overview

The endocrine system is an intricate "feedback" system, in which hormones release or suppress other hormones, controlling the way the body works. Balance is crucial, because an unhealthy component (gland) could cause repercussions to cascade down into all parts of the body. For example, an unhealthy pituitary can produce too much growth hormone (leading possibly to giantism) or too little, which can lead to premature aging and wasting of tissue.

The hypothalamus gland produces a releasing factor known as thyroid stimulation hormone releasing factor, or TSH-RF. It is a secretion of the brain that controls the pituitary gland. It regulates survival processes, such as reproduction, nourishment, and self-defense, by initiating the appropriate physical response through nerve impulses and chemical messengers.

The pituitary, which is controlled by the hypothalamus, has two distinct parts, the anterior and posterior lobes. Each one releases different hormones. The hypothalamus is and essential link between the brain and the pituitary. For example, the hypothalamus releases hormones stored in the posterior pituitary, including: oxytocin, vital in childbirth and nursing, and vasopressin, the water-regulating hormone; it also releases "turn on" hormones form the anterior pituitary, which stimulates secretions by other endocrine glands.

The pineal gland works in harmony with the hypothalamus gland, directing the body's thirst, hunger, sexual desire and the biological clock that determines our aging process. It is the "third eye" of the brain, responsible for telling the brain when it is day or night. It also controls the body's hormonal systems, sleep-wake cycle, and other so-called "circadian" (24-hour) body rhythms. It is in essence, the body's internal clock.

The pineal gland produces a hormone called melatonin, levels of which are what directly influence the function of various brain centers (appetite, sleep, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland).

Various functions and rhythms of the human body are controlled by hormones which might be defined as chemical messengers. Most of these hormones are produced by these and the other major endocrine glands, but several other organs also manufacture hormones - the stomach, liver, intestines, kidneys, and heart all contain groups of hormone-secreting cells.

Treatment and Prevention

Good nutrition for the pituitary includes alfalfa, kelp, dandelion, bee pollen and spirulina. Magnesium and potassium are important minerals.


Signs, symptoms & indicators of Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction:
Symptoms - CardiovascularHeart racing/palpitations may be a sign or symptom of Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Heart racing/palpitations

Symptoms - Hair

High body hair quantity may be a sign or symptom of Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  High body hair quantity

Counter-indicators:
Minimal/light body hair may contraindicate Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Minimal/light body hair

Symptoms - Metabolic

Occasional/frequent unexplained fevers may be a sign or symptom of Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Occasional/frequent unexplained fevers

Symptoms - Mind - Emotional

Impatient/hostile disposition may be a sign or symptom of Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Impatient/hostile disposition
Being anxious/nervous may be a sign or symptom of Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Being anxious/nervous

Counter-indicators:
Being care-free may contraindicate Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Being care-free
Patient/calm disposition may contraindicate Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Patient/calm disposition

Conditions that suggest Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction:
HormonesHirsutism may suggest Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Hirsutism

Skin-Hair-Nails

Male Hair Loss may suggest Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Male Hair Loss
Any condition that upsets the adrenal or pituitary gland may result in hair loss.

Female Hair Loss may suggest Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Female Hair Loss
Any condition that upsets the ovary, adrenal or pituitary gland may result in hair loss.

Risk factors for Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction:
ChildhoodEarly puberty onset often increases risk of Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Early puberty onset

Counter-indicators:
Late/delayed puberty onset often decreases risk of Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Late/delayed puberty onset

Supplements and Medications

Current birth control pill use may increase risk of Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  Current birth control pill use
History of birth control pill use may increase risk of Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction  History of birth control pill use


KEY
Weak or unproven link: may be a sign or symptom of; may suggest; may increase risk ofWeak or unproven link: may be a sign or symptom of; may suggest; may increase risk of
Strong or generally accepted link: often increases risk ofStrong or generally accepted link: often increases risk of
Weakly counter-indicative: may contraindicateWeakly counter-indicative: may contraindicate
Strong counter-indication: often decreases risk ofStrong counter-indication: often decreases risk of




Last updated: Feb 23, 2012