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Normal menstrual function is the result of a complex interaction between
the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries and endometrium. Any
interruption of this axis at any point may lead to disordered
menstruation. Many types of menstrual disorders occur in adult women who
have normal sexual maturation. These disorders include absence of
menstruation (amenorrhea); painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea);
dysfunctional uterine bleeding (anovulatory bleeding); excessive blood
loss during each menstrual cycle (menorrhagia); and irregular bleeding (metrorrhagia).
The brain produces a stress reaction when you are in a situation that is
physically or mentally demanding. Stress is normal. Some stress is good
for you as it keeps you alert and protects you in times of danger or
when you need to act or think quickly. For example, physical training to
keep fit places stress on your body, but that stress has a beneficial
effect provided you don't overdo it. Feeling a bit stressed about
impending examinations is normal. It usually helps to focus your energy
into revising well.
The differences between normal resistance and PTSD symptoms originate
from different sources. One researcher points out that in resistance the
prolonged stressor stimulates an increased release of CRH by
hypothalamic neurons whose axons terminate on capillary beds in the
infundibulum. However, it is thought that PTSD symptoms may arise from
an activation of the fear-related brain systems such as the amygdala and
its neuronal projections into the brain stem, hypothalamus and medulla,
which ultimately produce exaggerated SNS activity' and do not switch
into the PNS pathways.
Cortisol excess as a result of organic causes or prolonged cortisone
therapy also has an adverse effect on growth in children. This effect is
produced by direct action on growing cartilage, interference with
production of somatomedin. Because of the growth, suppressing effect of
cortisone in excess of minimal requirements, therapy limited to
short-term administration whenever possible.
The secretion of thyroid hormone is controlled by thyroid-stimulating
hormone of the anterior pituitary, which in turn is regulated by the
hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing factor (TRF). This negative feedback
mechanism follows the same priniciples as were described earlier.
Consequently hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may result from a defect
in the target gland or from a disturbance in the secretion of
thyroid-stimulating hormones or throtropin-releasing factor.
Chronic fatigue is described as the extended lack of physical,
intellectual, and emotional energy. Chronic fatigue is not cured through
a simple rest or sleep it's said that a complete change in habit is
required to get back on track. The signs of chronic exhaustion are sore
throat, pain or weakness in joints and muscles, headaches, restless
sleep, problems with concentration and short term memory. The mind can
be either a big source of energy or a major waste of it. In order to
release the natural energy that is inherent in all of our bodies, you
would have to be more familiar to the cycles of nature.
It is much more effective to move around, rub your hands together or put
on extra clothes if you are feeling cold. Similarly, if you are too warm
you might remove some clothing or fan yourself to cool down. These
motivated behaviours demonstrate that in contrast to a fixed stimulus
response, motivated behaviour stimulated by the hypothalamus has a
variable relationship between input and output. This interaction with
our external environment may be a 'choice', however it is clear that the
motivation to make these choices has a biological basis.
PTSD is a natural emotional reaction to a deeply shocking and disturbing
experience. It is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is defined in DSM-IV, the fourth
edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual.
Symptoms of Hypothalamic Disorders
Symptoms of Hypothalamic dysfunctionThe list of signs and symptoms
mentioned in various sources for Hypothalamic dysfunction includes the
20 symptoms listed below:
Causes of Hypothalamic Disorders
There are quite a few factors that can cause hypothalamic disorders. For
instance, excessive dietary iron in the diet can trigger this problem.
Some of the culprits behind hypothalamic dysfunction are given below:
Malnutrition
When the body is deprived of essential nutrients, it can interfere with
the normal functioning of the hypothalamus. Poor nutrition can certainly
put a person in the risk zone of hypothalamic disorders.
Trauma
A trauma such as an accident that affects the head can also lead to
hypothalamic dysfunction. A traumatic brain injury from an external
force causes too much bleeding and can eventually lead to hypothalamic
disorders.
Anorexia
Anorexia is a eating disorder in which the person consumes very less
amount of food. People with anorexia are obsessed about losing weight
and adopt extreme measures to stay thin. This can cause malnourishment
and eventually lead to anorexia nervosa and hypothalamic dysfunction.
Tumors
Hypothalamic disorders can also occur as a consequence of tumors
occurring inside the hypothalamus. Also, referred as hypothalamic tumor,
the unwanted growth can decrease blood flow to the hypothalamus. Read
more on brain tumors.
Hypothalamic Disorders in Children
Hypothalamic dysfunction in children can make them hyperactive. Lack of
proper growth is also observed in these children. These children
affected with hypothalamic disorders are at a high risk of stunted
growth. In addition, they may also suffer from frequent headaches and
vomiting.
What has caused hypothalamic disorders has to be first determined in
order to restore normal health. Hypothalamic disorders treatment
involves correcting the underlying cause to restore normal hypothalamic
function. If tumor is the culprit behind malfunctioning of the
hypothalamus, then surgery may be performed to remove unwanted growth.
Having a well balanced diet is the easiest way to overcome
malnourishment, which will in turn help to reduce symptoms of
hypothalamic disorders.
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