Tucked deep inside the brain, this gland is an important supervisory center, regulating many body functions. It is important for longevity and coordinates the entire endocrine system, especially in connection with the pituitary. The hypothalamus is located immediately below the thalamus at the center of the brain, and controls many automatic functions of the body. This means it has the power to govern the autonomic (automatic or subconscious) nervous system. The hypothalamus also controls pituitary output by secreting specific chemicals to the pituitary's front lobe. Despite its importance in maintaining homeostasis, the hypothalamus in humans accounts for only 1/300 of total brain weight, and is about the size of an almond. Also: Hypothalmus

	Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome The Condition "...As pyridostigmine is known to reduce somatostatin tone in the hypothalamus, this result is compatible with the notion that growth hormone deficiency in fibromyalgia cases is a potentially reversible problem that has a physiologic basis i..." Cluster Headaches The Condition "...Abnormalities in the Hypothalamus The root cause of cluster headaches is unknown but researchers are zeroing in on areas in the brain where abnormalities occur..." Cushing's Syndrome / Hypercortisolism The Condition "...First, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain which is about the size of a small sugar cube, sends corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) to the pituitary gland..." Diabetes Insipidus The Condition "...ADH is made in the hypothalamus, stored in and secreted by the pituitary gland and works on the kidney to conserve fluid..." Endocrine Glands Related Topic "A set of glands including the pituitary, hypothalamus, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus and adrenal glands, as well as the pancreas, ovaries and testes..." Excess Sugar Consumption The Condition "...When the hypothalamus in the brain registers excess glucose, the biochemical mechanisms respond as if the glucose is the end product of the digestion of wholesome carbohydrates and fats..." Hyperprolactinemia The Condition "...The pituitary's hormone production rises and falls depending on hormonal instructions from another gland, the hypothalamus..." Hyponatremia (Low Blood Sodium Level) The Condition "...The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are also involved in sodium regulation by making and releasing vasopressin, known as anti-diuretic hormone, into the bloodstream..." Hypopituitarism The Condition "...Deficient pituitary gland function can result from damage to either the pituitary or the area just above the pituitary, namely the hypothalamus..." Hypothalamus / Pituitary / Pineal Dysfunction The Condition "...The hypothalamus gland produces a releasing factor known as thyroid stimulation hormone releasing factor, or TSH-RF..." Low HGH (Human Growth Hormone) Recommendation GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate) "...Dopamine activity in the hypothalamus is known to stimulate pituitary release of growth hormone, but GHB inhibits dopamine release at the same time that it stimulates GH release..." Metrorrhagia Recommendation Lithosperma "...Both species of lithosperma may act directly on the hypothalamus to improve hormonal regulation and promote a regular cycle..." Pituitary Related Topic "The pituitary gland is a small (half-inch), bean-shaped organ that hangs down from the lower center of the brain on a stalk attached to another gland, the hypothalamus..." Premenstrual Syndrome PMS A (Anxiety) The Condition "...It is of interest to note that a decreased dopamine level in the hypothalamus is also believed to be central to the hormonal imbalances found in polycystic ovarian disease..." Problems Caused By Being Overweight The Condition "...Body fat is actually regulated by the brain's weight regulating mechanism in the hypothalamus..." Thyroglobulin Related Topic "...It is converted into circulating thyroxines when the thyroid is stimulated by TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) from the pituitary (in turn stimulated by the hypothalamus, where thyroxine levels are actually monitored)..." Vitex / Chasteberry As A Treatment "...The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are responsible for triggering the female hormonal cycle..."

Last updated: May 10, 2007